Only if your swallowing problem resulted from an accident: stroke (classified as acute accident), traumatic brain injury, or treatment injury from surgery. Swallowing difficulties from Parkinson's, MS, aging, or other illnesses aren't ACC-covered. We'll discuss funding options during assessment, including private payment.

Initial swallowing assessment is best in-person. We need to observe you eating and drinking different textures safely. But ongoing therapy, family training, and monitoring often work well via telehealth. We'll recommend what makes sense for your situation.

Yes. Swallowing decline with dementia is common and frightening for families. Assessment helps you understand what's safe, what's risky, and how to maximise quality of life. Sacha provides family training so you know exactly what to do. This reduces both risk and anxiety.

It's adjusting food consistency to match swallowing ability. The IDDSI framework provides standardised levels, from regular texture down to liquidised/puree. Sacha assesses which level is safe for you, then trains you and your family in how to prepare foods consistently. The goal is safety without unnecessary restriction.

Family training covers emergency protocols. If someone is coughing forcefully, encourage it. Coughing is protective. If they can't cough, breathe, or speak, that's obstruction: back blows and abdominal thrusts (Heimlich), and call 111 immediately. We practice this until you feel confident.

Initial assessment (75 min): $207 in-person Wellington, $167 telehealth. Follow-up sessions (45 min): $157 in-person, $127 telehealth. We provide detailed invoices for insurance claims or tax purposes.

This is incredibly common. Hospital discharge information is often rushed and overwhelming. Assessment helps us understand what level they're actually on, confirm it's still appropriate, and train you properly in how to implement it. Clear understanding replaces confusion.