Not everyone has equal access to dysphagia-friendly foods, tools, or clinical support. This page collects resources that may help caregivers and individuals navigate swallowing challenges beyond the kitchen.
Same Menu focuses on cooking techniques and meal adaptation. The organizations below offer financial assistance, education, standards, and caregiver support that may be helpful alongside those efforts.
Charitable Access & Assistance
For some families, cost can be a barrier to safe eating. Adaptive eating tools and specialized nutrition products can add up quickly. The organizations listed here provide financial assistance, donated supplies, or community support for people who cannot afford dysphagia-related products or services. Availability and eligibility vary, but these programs exist to reduce gaps in access and care.
- Dysphagia Outreach Project – “Food Bank” of thickeners, adaptive utensils and other dysphagia related items.
- American Parkinson Diseases Association – Links to local chapters offering temporary hardship funds; applicants must have a diagnosis of Parkinsonism.
- Melvin Weinstein Parkinson’s Foundation – Parkinson’s related assistance foundation.
- HealthWell Foundation – Non-profit that may assist with costs from chronic or life-altering diseases.
- Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation – Non-profit that provides financial assistance as well as policy advocacy.
Standards & Education
Safe texture modification depends on shared standards and clear testing methods. These resources provide evidence-based guidance used by clinicians worldwide, including caregivers and healthcare teams working with swallowing disorders. These links are included for reference and education, not as a substitute for individualized medical guidance. Always follow recommendations from your healthcare provider or Speech-language pathologist.
- International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) – Find posters, videos and other information about the global system that aims to make meals safe across all settings.
- National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders (NFOSD) – Articles and information about national efforts to bring awareness and results for people with dysphagia.
- American Speech Language Hearing Association – Governing body for speech language pathologists, the clinician’s specializing in eating and swallowing.
- National Institute on Aging – General guidelines for nutrition for seniors, including shopping lists.
Caregiver Support
Swallowing challenges affect more than meals. Caregivers often juggle medical appointments, fatigue, communication changes, and emotional stress alongside food preparation. The resources below offer caregiver education, peer support, and practical guidance for navigating daily life when caring for someone with eating, chewing, or swallowing difficulties.
- Family Caregiver Alliance – offers an online dashboard with personalized information about caring for a family member.
- Caregiver Action Network – Their “Kindly Human” service offers 24/7 peer chat, people that have been caregivers.
- AARP Caregiving Resource Center – Another large collection of resources for aging parents
- ARCH National Respite Network – Information and catalogue for emergency and planned rest for caregivers
- Accessible Chef – Visual recipes that can help support participation and communication in the the kitchen
This page is reviewed periodically and expanded as new reputable external resources become available. Inclusion here does not imply endorsement, partnership, or medical advice, as they are separate from Same Menu.