Implications for Oral Care of the Elderly Flashcards
What are challenges with the aging population
increased number of people with long term conditions
increasing age with concurrent increase in co-morbidites
poly pharmacy
dementia
more people keeping teeth for longer
What are common oral diseases in the elderly
caries/root caries
periodontal disease
oral mucosal disorders
oral cancer
What is avoidable harm linked to oral health
aspiration pneumonia
improved oral health reduces risk
What did the frances report state
Cant have tolerance to poor standards
must be protected from avoidable harm
patient safety should be the ever-present concern of every person working in or affecting NHS-funded care
and they must be protected from avoidable harm and any deprivation of their basic rights
Why do elderly have difficulty of accessing dental care
mobility and access to dental premises
communication
dental anxiety
cost
Why is good oral health important for elderly
so they can be pain free and comfortable
risk of life threatening spread of oral infection is reduced
infection can smell and taste unpleasant inhibiting social interaction and thus self wellbeing
nutrition
How is oral health linked to QoL
eating comfort appearance smiling/laughing personality
What does a loss of teeth lead to
impaired masticatory function
avoidance of food that is hard to chew
not meeting nutritional needs
increased intake of processed, high cholesterol and lipid based food stuffs
What is the importance of good oral health for social interaction
family visits
talking to friends
participating in social events
eating together
Why is caring for the elderly not business friendly
domiciliary dentistry arranging transport to dental clinic longer appointments failed appointments is our current workforce big enough to meet the need
What is caring for smiles
a guide for oral health professionals to deliver training for staff in care homes
enables carers to provide a high standard of oral care for dependent older people
What are the barriers for good oral care for elderly
oral health is low priority in care plans
carers have limited knowledge of oral health
carers have difficulty in gaining access to residents teeth
high turnover of care staff
poorly paid care staff
do they feel valued
What are Berwick’s key principles
place the quality of px care especially patient safety above all other aims
engage, empower and hear px and carers at all time
foster whole heartedly the growth and development of all staff, including their ability and support to improve the processes in which they work
membrane transparency unequivocally and everywhere in the service of accountability, trust and the growth of knowledge
