高齡友善吞嚥照護

An Aged Friendly Care for Elderly Persons with Swallowing Difficulty

台灣即將在2025年邁入超高齡社會，65歲以上老年人口中約12.8%有吞嚥困難。吞嚥障礙會隨年齡增加而加重，並可能導致使用鼻胃管的機率增加，這不單影響生活品質，還增加吸入性肺炎的風險。由口進食對年長者不僅是營養補充，更有助於心理健康。研究顯示，透過專業訓練，70%以上的老年人能恢復部分或全部的由口進食能力，進而改善情緒並增進社交活動。
為改善吞嚥問題，需建立以口進食為核心的照護模式。具體措施包括定期由語言治療師評估吞嚥能力、設計個人化飲食計劃、調整食物質地和飲食姿勢、使用輔助工具，並提供心理支持；家屬與社區的參與也至關重要，以期能共同支持年長者的健康需求。此模式不僅改善年長者的生活品質，還可減少醫療負擔並提升年長者的社交互動與生活樂趣。

Taiwan is about to enter a super-aged society in 2025, and about 12.8% of the elderly population over 65 years old have swallowing difficulties. Dysphagia tends to worsen with age and may increase the probability of using a nasogastric tube. This not only impacts quality of life but also raises the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Oral-intake for elders is a source of nutritional intake; moreover, it contributes to mental well-being. Research shows that through professional training, more than 70% of elderly individuals can regain partial or full ability of oral-intake, which in turn improves mood and enhances social activities.
To ameliorate swallowing difficulties, an oral-intake-centered model needs to be established. Specific measures include regular assessments of swallowing abilities by speech therapists, designing individualized dietary plans, adjusting the food texture and eating posture, using assistive devices, as well as providing psychological support. The involvement of families and the community is also crucial to support the health needs of the elderly. This model improves the life quality of the elderly, reduces the healthcare burden and enhances their social interactions and enjoyment of life.