There is a question every Speech and Language Therapist and Dietitian working with dysphagia will recognise.
How often does a patient finish their thickened drink? Not leave half behind. Not push it aside. Finish it.
An unfinished drink is a familiar sight. And over time, it can become something we simply expect.
But should we?
When did an unfinished drink become acceptable?
Achieving the prescribed IDDSI Level is essential. Yet a drink that remains in the glass contributes nothing to hydration. People leave drinks for many reasons, including fatigue, illness and personal preference. Sometimes the thickener itself is part of the problem.
Powdered thickeners have long been the standard option. For many patients, they work well. For others, changes in appearance, texture or mouthfeel make drinks less appealing. Preparation can also be challenging for patients, carers and busy care teams.
When a patient repeatedly struggles with powder, the answer need not always be another scoop, another demonstration or another request to persevere.
You don’t have to anymore.
What if the drink looked and tasted more like the original?
Imagine a cup of tea that still looks like tea. A coffee that still tastes like coffee. A cold drink the patient actually wants to pick up.
This is where Slõ Syrup offers another option. It is a flavourless, colourless liquid thickener designed to simplify preparation while preserving the character of familiar drinks.
For the specified drink volumes, one pump prepares IDDSI Level 1, two pumps Level 2 and three pumps Level 3. Stir, wait five minutes and check that the drink meets the prescribed consistency before serving.
Add. Stir. Go Slõ.
The right level matters. So does the desire to drink.
A correctly prepared drink is only part of successful dysphagia management. Acceptability matters too. A different thickening format may help when someone dislikes or cannot reliably prepare drinks made with powder.
Slõ Syrup is not a reason to change every patient’s prescription. It is a reason to reconsider the options when the current approach is not working.
You don’t have to accept the unfinished glass as inevitable anymore.
Not on your formulary yet?
Clinicians can explore a named-patient or individual patient request through their local NHS process, where available and subject to approval. Patients and carers can also buy Slõ Syrup from our Slõ Shop or Amazon Prime.
See the difference for yourself
Request samples for clinical evaluation or for your patient through the Slõ Clinicians’ Library: https://slodrinks.com/clinicians-library-healthcare-medical/
Slõ Syrup is a food for special medical purposes for the dietary management of dysphagia. Use under medical and dietetic supervision, following the prescribed IDDSI Level and full preparation instructions.
