Mealtime signs
These are the most visible cues during meals and feeding — observable by nursing staff, CNAs, and family members, not just SLPs.
- Coughing during meals
- Wet vocal quality
- Frequent choking episodes
Relevant medical history
Conditions that compromise swallow function, alertness, or airway protection often warrant a FEES even before mealtime signs appear.
- Recent stroke
- Neurodegenerative disease (Parkinson's, ALS, MS, dementia)
- Traumatic brain injury
Clinical indicators
These are the higher-stakes signals — usually flagged by the interdisciplinary team during clinical review.
- Recurrent pneumonia
- Unexplained weight loss
- Suspected aspiration
- Difficulty managing secretions
- Significant changes in swallowing function
- Need for objective assessment prior to diet changes
TIME-SENSITIVE
If a resident is showing acute decline, pneumonia, or rapidly worsening swallow function, call us at 562-645-FEES (3337) to expedite scheduling.