b'SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGYAccess to their documentation7% were upgraded more balanced clinical judgementsystems and care planning processes 4% were not assessable and opportunities to improve quality of life. RDs often felt uncomfortable This dual trainingthrough the This shows that texture decisions wereupgrading diet texture due toGardens and the community individualized and clinically thoughtfulrisk involved.agencyensures clinicalnot automatically downgraded, not consistency and high competency. SLP involvement reduces risk of Internal referral systemoverly conservative. adverse events Significant reduction in The reduction in choking incidents From model launch day to March 31,choking incidentssupports the conclusion that 2025, referrals were routed throughBefore implementation, there werespecialized assessments improve RDs, overburdening them and causingfive choking-related critical incidentsresident safety.inconsistencies. In April 2025, the Gardens launched an improved internalin the quarters leading up to theBetter alignment of roles referral process within PointClickCarelaunch. After launch, only one incidentSLPs can focus on dysphagia and (PCC). They: occurred from Q3 2024 to Q3 2025. communication; RDs can focusCreated a dedicated SLP This reduction is a key marker ofon nutrition. referral category improved safety and validates theThe on-site model ensures each importance of specialized, discipline practices within its optimal timely assessments.Removed swallowing-related optionsscope, reducing burnout and from the RD referral forms Greater staff confidence andimproving quality of care.Socialized the new referral throughimproved resident experience Conclusion posters, unit huddles, and Residents now feel safer knowing theyKensington Healths dedicated staff-wide communication can be assessed within a week. Staffon-site SLP model demonstrates This change dramatically increasedfeel empowered to raise swallowinghow long-term care homes can appropriate, timely referrals and concerns, whereas previously theymeaningfully improve resident safety, staff engagement. may have hesitated. Dietitians canreduce clinical risk, and enhance staff refocus on nutrition, instead ofconfidence by introducing specialized Benefits of the modelspending disproportionate time on Data collected from August 1, 2024 toexpertise into the circle of care. dysphagia management.September 2025 shows meaningfulThrough a well-structured improvements in safety, workflow This improves clinical quality, reducessubcontracting model, internaland outcomes. burnout, and brings discipline-specificreferral redesign, and strong Major reduction in wait timesexpertise back into alignment. interdisciplinary collaboration, The median time from concern toAdvantages of using SLPsKensington reduced assessmentassessment is now six daysdowncompared to RDs for wait times to six days, improved from two to four weeks. Fasterswallowing assessmentsdysphagia management,assessment translates into earlierKensington outlined severaland significantly reducedintervention, lower risk, and peace ofadvantages of having SLPs conductchoking incidents. mind for staff and families.swallowing assessments. The advantages of SLP-led Comprehensive clinical activitySpecialized dysphagia expertiseassessmentsgreater clinical 109 new referrals While RDs have competency, theycompetency as it relates to dysphagia, balanced decision-making, often do not feel comfortable makingcommunication support, and reduced 146 total visits, including assessments,significant texture modifications, follow-ups and reassessments particularly for complex cases. SLPs,burden on dietitianshighlight the by contrast, are trained extensively in: value of this discipline within long-Increased volume of referrals term care. Kensingtons experience occurred after improving the internalThe physiology of swallowing offers a compelling, data-driven caseprocessa positive indicator of stafffor rethinking traditional models of engagement and trust in the service Oral motor functiondysphagia management and investing Impact on Communication issues thatin consistent, specialized, on-site dysphagia managementintersect with feeding SLP services. LTCTAmong residents assessed Prescribing exercises or techniques for dysphagia:for safe swallowing51% retained their baselineMore balanced diettexture but with added safetexture modificationsJoshua Chan is Manager ofswallowing strategies Allied Health at Kensington Health SLPs confidently modify diet texturein Toronto.36% required downgraded textures (upgrade or downgrade), providingwww.oltca.com LONG TERM CARE TODAY 47'