The IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) framework

January 16, 2023

As an assisted living facility, you know that it is important to provide the highest level of care to your residents. This means making sure that they are able to eat and drink comfortably and safely, regardless of any swallowing difficulties they may have. The IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) framework is an internationally recognized tool that helps healthcare professionals evaluate and classify the texture of food and liquids for people with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

The IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative) framework is a standardized system for identifying and describing the consistency of foods and liquids for individuals with swallowing difficulties.

The IDDSI framework includes 8 levels of consistency, ranging from Level 0 (extra thick liquids) to Level 7 (pureed and mashed solids). Each level is defined by specific thickness and texture characteristics, and food and drink are tested and labeled according to these levels.

Using the IDDSI framework, assisted living facilities can ensure that residents with dysphagia are receiving food and drink that is safe and appropriate for their swallowing abilities. This can help to prevent choking and aspiration (inhalation of food or liquid into the lungs), and can improve overall health and well-being for residents with swallowing difficulties.

The IDDSI framework includes 8 levels of consistency, ranging from Level 0 (extra thick liquids) to Level 7 (pureed and mashed solids). The levels are as follows:

Level 0: Extra thick liquids – requires a spoon to be used in order to drink
Level 1: Thick liquids – may require a straw to be used in order to drink
Level 2: Thin liquids – can be drunk from a cup without spilling
Level 3: Soft solids – can be eaten with a fork or spoon without chewing
Level 4: Minced and moist solids – requires chewing but can be easily mashed with a fork
Level 5: Moist solids – requires chewing and can be mashed with a fork
Level 6: Solid foods – requires chewing but can be easily mashed with a fork
Level 7: Pureed and mashed solids – requires no chewing and can be easily mashed with a fork.

Using the IDDSI framework can help you ensure that your residents are receiving the right consistency of food and liquids, reducing the risk of choking or aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway). However, implementing this framework can be challenging, especially when it comes to keeping track of individual residents’ needs and preferences. That’s where myResidentCare diet module comes in.

myResidentCare is a comprehensive software solution for assisted living facilities, designed to streamline and improve care delivery. One of the key features of the diet module is its ability to support the IDDSI framework. With myResidentCare, you can easily record and track each resident’s IDDSI level, ensuring that they are receiving the right consistency of food and liquids at all times.

But myResidentCare isn’t just for assisted living facilities – it can also be used by memory care, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. No matter where you are using it, myResidentCare helps you deliver the highest level of care to your residents by making it easier to follow the IDDSI framework and meet the individual needs of each resident.

myResidentCare is a valuable tool for assisted living facilities looking to implement the IDDSI framework. It helps you provide the highest level of care to your residents, ensuring that they are able to eat and drink comfortably and safely.

For more information on how myResidentCare can help your assisted living/long term care facility, contact us or request a demo today!