Have you seen your doctor? Could be more serious than you know or something simple.
The problem you have is dysphagia, and you require a consult with an expert. Not a GP or primary carte provider. Dysphagia is a specialty. There are many possibile etiologies, from stroke to Parkinson's disease to physical disorder. It is unusual for two people to develop symptoms simultaneously. I would consider this a serious issue that requires an in-person appointment as soon as possible. There are many possible tests, and in the United States a barium swallow x-ray is not necessarily the diagnostic treatment of choice. Provide the physician with your symptoms and let him/her decide what tests to take.
Strange me finding your question as I had a barium meal swallow xray done some years ago because of having a problem with food and drink going down and also feeling as if it is stuck.
The xray showed that I have a deviated oesophagus and I didn't know what this condition was called, but when I saw my doctor yesterday he said it is called Achalasia.
Other problems that can cause a sticking in the oesophagus or food going down slowly is if you have degeneration in the thoracic area of the spine.
Make yourselves an appointment to see the doctor, explain what is happening. He may refer you to have a barium swallow xray done, if not, request that he sends you for one.
Let me know how you get on.
Best wishes.