Access and barriers to oral health care for dependent elderly people living in rest homes

Abstract

Aim To report New Zealand rest home (rest home is the New Zealand term for residential aged care facilities where dependent, institutionalised, elderly people reside.) managers’ opinions on access and barriers to oral health care for rest home residents. Methods An exploratory study using qualitative descriptive methods. Eleven rest home managers in a region of New Zealand were interviewed about admission assessments for new residents, oral health care, availability of dental facilities, staff training in oral hygiene, residents’ nutritional needs and oral hygiene aids. Results Interviews with managers indicated that rest homes have no policies for the provision of oral health care and only arrange dental check‐ups or treatment when requested by residents or family. Barriers to accessing care include making appointments, availability of staff and transport particularly for bedridden patients. Staff receive basic oral hygiene training only and face resistance to oral hygiene from some residents. No homes had a dental chair at their premises. All rest homes stocked oral hygiene aids such as toothbrushes and toothpastes. Electric toothbrushes were not generally promoted with cost being a key factor. Conclusion While rest home managers were aware of the importance of good oral health, there are barriers to care. Finance is a challenge as dental care is not publicly funded and many residents rely on a limited income. Recommendations include policy changes to better fund oral health, specific oral health training for rest home staff, provision of mobile dental services to rest homes and the inclusion of gerodontology in the dental school curriculum.

The provision of mobile dental services to dependent elderly people in Switzerland

“…Apart from the physical and cognitive impairments that tend to limit the access to dental care of dependent elderly people, other barriers, such as dental treatment charges, could also restrict elderly people from seeking dental care. Studies worldwide have reported that finances could act as barrier to the elderly, with severity varying as a function of the socio‐economic status of the patients among other factors 24‐27 …”

“…Studies worldwide have reported that finances could act as barrier to the elderly, with severity varying as a function of the socio-economic status of the patients among other factors. [24][25][26][27] A study conducted on mobile services set up by different organisations in the United States of America, reported the use of a variable configuration of models, 9 similar to the university services in Switzerland. Fixed dental clinics have the clear advantage of having all the dental equipment available and the possibility to deliver all types of dental care.…”

Recommendations for improving dental care for dentate home‐based older people: A qualitative New Zealand study

“…Several national studies have reported on the oral health of older people in aged residential care and their caregivers’ knowledge of oral care 12‐15 . To date, only one has included detailed data on the oral health of home‐based older people who receive living support.…”

Caregivers’ perceptions towards oral healthcare services for elders living in Malaysian nursing homes—A qualitative study

“…In addition, poor oral health status among elders may also lead to other health complications that can impede activities in their daily life. It has been reported that oral health care often takes second place to chronic and life‐threatening diseases in many aspects among elders 5…”

“…It has been reported that oral health care often takes second place to chronic and life-threatening diseases in many aspects among elders. 5 In general, elders have poorer oral health than younger people.…”