Aspiration and Choking Injuries in Nursing Homes

Residents with swallowing disorders face a heightened risk of choking and aspiration. Nursing homes must properly assess these risks and implement interventions designed to keep residents safe.

When facilities fail to identify swallowing difficulties or follow established precautions, residents can suffer aspiration pneumonia, brain injury, respiratory distress, or death.

What Is Aspiration?
Aspiration occurs when food, liquid, medication, or other material enters the airway or lungs instead of the stomach. Aspiration can lead to serious infections and life-threatening complications.

Common Causes of Aspiration Injuries
• Failure to conduct swallowing evaluations
• Ignoring speech therapy recommendations
• Failure to provide modified diets
• Inadequate mealtime supervision
• Improper feeding techniques

Signs of Aspiration or Choking
• Coughing during meals
• Difficulty swallowing
• Frequent pneumonia
• Respiratory distress
• Sudden declines in health

Holding Nursing Homes Accountable
Our Minnesota nursing home injury attorneys investigate whether care providers properly identified swallowing risks, followed physician orders, implemented dietary restrictions, and protected residents from foreseeable harm.

If you suspect your loved one has been harmed in a nursing home, contact Ciresi Conlin for a confidential consultation.