We are trying to decide whether to train my father to swallow, even though we don't have a pathologist. It has been almost 5 months since my father had a stroke, but my dad still solely depends on NGT to get nutrition, water etc.

I’m sorry to hear about the impact that the stroke has had on your dad’s ability to swallow. 

As you have identified, the process of getting onto an oral diet after stroke includes having an assessment by a speech therapist and dietitian.  Together they can check to see if the muscles are strong enough to chew and swallow safely and that your dad is getting adequate nutrition. 

Given that you don’t have access to a speech therapist, the decision to move onto an oral diet should be discussed with your dad, family and the team that is looking after your dad.  There are some medical tests such as an X-ray of your dads swallow (a barium swallow) or Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow (FEES) that can help understand your dad’s ability to safely swallow.  I have attached some information about dysphagia and our current clinical guidelines about managing dysphagia here in Australian.  Have a talk to your family about your views and have a discussion about the risks and benefits of drinking and eating with swallowing difficulties. 

Swallowing problems after stroke fact sheet

https://strokefoundation.org.au/About-Stroke/Help-after-stroke/Stroke-resources-and-fact-sheets/Swallowing-problems-after-stroke-fact-sheet

Australian Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management- Section 9 on Dysphagia

https://app.magicapp.org/app#/guideline/2948/section/35834

Some people chose to continue to eat and drink with an unsafe swallow.  This is known as risk feeding.  The decision to risk feed requires careful thought and consideration based on individual circumstances.  It may be the person’s wishes, it may help to improve quality of life or due to cultural beliefs. Risk feeding should always be made following medical advice.

I hope some of this information helps you to have further discussion with your family and the doctors about your dads care.

If you have any further questions at all, feel free to reach out to us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653.

Carol, StrokeLine

Joy speaking from my own experience with Dysphasia a speech pathologist  assessed my problem. I could swallow, the weak throat muscles were the major difficulty. The dietician and speech pathologist then worked together to help with food and swallowing. To this day I am still working on exercises for strengthening  facial muscles as  their weakness contributes to my speech problems of a slurry voice. I cannot drink water  as I will cough and easily choke. Water or any thin drink for me needs thickening. Beautiful cappuchinos  I can drink as they are the ideal thickness. My swallowing has improved very slowly, however  the recovery time has no fixed date.  I recommend you read the fact sheet suggested by Strokeline as it is brilliant.     I wish you well with seeking help for your Dad.   Cheers Jenny