What You Can Do to Improve Dental Care in Aged-Care Facilities - What to Know

A properly working denture is important for elderly people so that they can still have a semblance of a rational function even as they age away in nursing care facilities. Surprisingly, the dental health of our elderly is not as supreme as we thought it is. The blame does not lie on the people we hire to take care of our aging parents, and we’re not going to walk down that path.

Nevertheless, the situation is dire and must be addressed. The elderly have bad dentures that are affecting the way they process and perceive food. The problem will cause a ripple effect on their overall health. At all costs, that kind of issue should be avoided. These people are meant to fade in the most comfortable and most humane ways possible.

How Elderly Oral Health is Compromised

Shockingly, oral health in aged care facilities is degrading. Its residences have untreated tooth decay that causes problems to their health, making life uncomfortable for them. If they have pre-existing health issues, chewing and swallowing can even be more difficult, and this will further compromise their oral health. Great care is needed in facilities like the aged-care, but they are severely understaffed and underfunded.

Other Difficult Issues Adding to the Problem

Aged care facilities are understaffed because they are underfunded. As a result, the nurses are overworked. Their work conditions are so blighting that they can’t deliver the 101 percent care that the elderly patients need, much more their oral care needs. Most of the patients have more demanding requirements, keeping the nurses away from the others who also need routine care. Most of the patients go for weeks without oral care.

The Solution

The responsibility to take care of the elderly does not rest on anybody else’s shoulders but ours. That is why to solve these challenges, there should be a collaborative effort among family members. Oral care is basic. This should be given to the elderly regularly so that their dentures will not break sooner. If the problem is rampant, and it looks like nothing is being done about it, some solutions can rectify the problem.

What Can We Do?

Well-fitting dentures can affect the quality of life of the elderly. We must make sure that it is what they have. If not, then they need to see the dentists as soon as possible. When the problem is finally fixed, they should be given good oral care, such as regular brushing. If primary care such as this one is not met, family members can always seek help to the right people to appeal to the welfare of the residents.

Conclusion

Dentures on the elderly have to be properly fit; otherwise, they will have a difficult life. Now that they’re away from you, they should be well taken care of as much as possible. The primary care starts with good oral hygiene. If this aspect is neglected, the elderly will surely live a miserable life.

If you’re looking for a dental care service for the elderly in Ann Arbor, get in touch with us for a free consultation.