Ageing process is not only about boarding and lodging, it is about Person-centered care and holistic well-being.
One important aspect of elderly care is Oral Health. Unfortunately most Elderly Care Homes in India are unaware of it’s importance and/or are not equipped to handle oral care in residential care homes.
Normally one tends to think that brushing one’s teeth once or twice a day will keep the doctor away however the reality is much different.
As we age there are multiple health issues and one critical aspect is Oral Health. Unfortunately most developing countries do not take oral hygiene and care on a serious note which eventually becomes a big problem in the later stages of life.
Resource document, “Better Oral Health in Residential Care” developed by the Better Oral Health in Residential Care Project, funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, states;
Oral diseases and conditions can have social impacts on quality of life, including comfort, eating, pain and appearance, and are related to dentate status.
Older adults need to eat and talk comfortably, to feel happy with their appearance, to stay pain free, to maintain self-esteem, and to maintain habits / standards of hygiene and care that they have had throughout their lives.
The attached document is a very good training guide for nurses and care workers who are in the field of caring for older people.
The training book is divided into 3 main modules and can be referred by senior citizen care homes operators.
Module 1: Good Oral Health is Essential for Healthy Ageing.
Module 2: Protect your Residents’ Oral Health.
Module 3: It Takes a Team Approach to Maintain a Healthy Mouth.
We need to appreciate the efforts put in by the team who have compiled this information and also applaud the aspects of sharing it for the larger cause.
The document is a well-researched and comprehensive guide which should be a handy reference guide for people who are into the Elderly Care sector.
The Australian Government does not endorse or recommends the website Elderly Care India.
In the Indian context, as a Nation we need to develop country specific standards, policies and guidelines for facilitating the growth of Senior Care sector.
The document can be accessed on the website https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/