
Thickening fluids
A speech-language therapist has recommended that you thicken your drinks to make them safer to swallow.
How to use thickeners
The following video shows a fluid being thickened.
To thicken your fluids:
- Thoroughly read the instructions on the tin or bottle of your chosen thickening product to see how much product you need for your consistency level.
- Measure your fluid as per the product information.
- Add the required amount of thickener.
- Stir briskly with a fork for 30 to 40 seconds.
- Leave to thicken if the product instructions tell you to.
How to buy thickeners
You can call your usual pharmacy and ask them to order the thickening product for you (see the products below). Make sure you specify the product name you would like ordered.
You can buy some products from the pharmacy at Christchurch Hospital. This is inside the hospital near the main entrance.
You can order the following thickening products yourself.
Flavour Creations
Order from Ebos.
Phone: 0800-105-501.
Nutilis thickening powder
Order from Nutricia.
Phone: 0800-688-747.
Precise
Order from Capes Medical
Phone: (07) 575-9777 or contact the Precise rep on 021-345-881.
Written by speech-language therapists, Canterbury DHB. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created November 2021.
Sources
The information in this section comes from the following sources, some of which may be clinically complex or not available to the general public
Canterbury DHB Speech-language Therapy – Allied Health:
Aphasia: patient information. Strategies for you (the person with aphasia), Ref 2980, January 2011
Aphasia: strategies for communication partners; Ref 2979, January 2011
Apraxia of Speech: Strategies for you and your communication partners; Ref 2982, January 2011
Oral hygiene & saliva management; Ref: 2987, January 2011
Safe Feeding Practices: Information for caregivers; Ref 2988, January 2011
What is aphasia? (a-fay-zee-a), Ref 2981, January 2011
What is Apraxia of Speech?; Ref 2983, January 2011
What is dysarthria? Ref 2984, January 2011
What is dysarthria? Patient information, Ref 2978, January 2011
Page reference: 886288
Review key: HISWD-121957