About Dysphagia Living
When someone you love is diagnosed with dysphagia, the medical system hands you a pamphlet and sends you home. Suddenly, you're Googling what IDDSI Level 4 actually looks like in a real kitchen.
We started this site because we couldn't find the resource we needed.
When someone you love is diagnosed with dysphagia, the medical system hands you a pamphlet and sends you home. Suddenly you're Googling what IDDSI Level 4 actually looks like in a real kitchen, whether the thickener you bought is safe to mix with coffee, and how to make mealtime feel like something other than a medical procedure.
That's the gap Dysphagia Living was built to fill.
Who We Are
Katerina O. — Founder & Primary Writer
I have been a primary caregiver for my mother, who was diagnosed with dysphagia following a stroke in 2019. What started as a steep learning curve became a mission: to create the practical, honest, human resource I wished had existed from day one.
I write from lived experience — testing recipes in my own kitchen, trialing products with my mother, and staying current with IDDSI guidelines and clinical research. My work is reviewed by qualified speech-language pathologists to ensure every piece of content meets safety standards.
How We Approach Content
Dysphagia is a medical condition. We take that seriously.
Every article on this site is written with these principles:
- Accuracy first — we follow IDDSI standards and cite clinical sources
- Practical and real — no advice that doesn't work outside a hospital setting
- Reviewed by professionals — key health content is checked by a qualified SLP before publishing
- Honest about limits — we'll always tell you when something requires a professional opinion
Who This Site Is For
Whether you're a patient managing dysphagia independently, a family caregiver trying to keep mealtime safe and enjoyable, or a healthcare worker looking for patient-friendly resources to share, this site is for you.
A Note on Medical Advice
The content on Dysphagia Living is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for guidance from your speech-language pathologist, dietitian, or physician. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes to your diet or swallowing management.