Oral health of institutionalised elderly: a qualitative study of health caregivers’ perceptions in Brazil

Abstract

Oral health care of the elderly was perceived as a burden by caregivers, and did not follow a standard protocol. Caregivers' knowledge and perceptions reinforce the need for education and training in oral health issues.

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) carers' perceptions of oral care in residential aged care settings in Perth, Western Australia

“…Many participants considered the oral care offered to residents a low priority in RACF when compared to general health care. This finding is consistent with studies from Sweden, Brazil and the UK. Participants also mentioned the low priority attributed to oral care may be unintentional, a finding reflected in other studies both overseas and in Australia but nevertheless suggests inequity relative to need.…”

“…Participants also mentioned the low priority attributed to oral care may be unintentional, a finding reflected in other studies both overseas and in Australia but nevertheless suggests inequity relative to need. Other demands competed with oral health care including high workload, time restrictions and residents' physical and behavioural difficulties, especially cognitive impairment that were significant barriers to oral care at RACFs.…”

Geriatric oral health predicaments in New Delhi, India

“…Improving oral health will significantly enhance the physical, social and mental attributes of geriatric individuals. Oral disorders are snowballing across the lifespan to an extent that adverse outcomes of oral conditions are likely to be the greatest among people in the later stages of life . The present and future generation of dental practitioners will confront the challenge of providing dental care for a growing number of older adults.…”

Caregivers’ attitudes regarding oral health in a long‐term care institution in Brazil

“…General and oral healthcare of the elderly in LTC facilities in Brazil is mainly provided by nurse assistants 22 . These professionals usually do not receive any specific instructions for oral healthcare for the age group they are dealing with.…”