Maintaining the oral health of elderly and those with special needs in residential care

This is a multi-faceted programme aimed at promoting better oral health of both the elderly and those with special needs in care homes. It encompasses training of health workers, design and implementation of customized hygiene protocols, establishment of personalised dental records in the medical records, raising awareness of daily oral hygiene, diet and the importance of achieving the necessary care together with raising awareness of families to support the maintenance of oral hygiene. Taking care of oral hygiene is facilitated by caregivers through training that enables them to put the patient at ease.

Analysis of collected quantitative and qualitative data shows an awareness of the importance of oral health in maintaining good health and maintaining the autonomy of the elderly or those with special needs. Furthermore, caregivers who received training on oral health have a higher level of knowledge about oral health and its impact on health in general.

Families, the elderly and people with disabilities themselves who have been made aware to the problem are more aware of the impact of good oral health on quality of life.