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Seniors’ oral health: planning for the future Author: Jackie Smorang, BA, Dip DH, MSEd

Seniors’ oral health: planning for the future Author: Jackie Smorang, BA, Dip DH, MSEd. Presented by Dr. Luke Shwart Manager, Community Oral Health Services www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/hecomm/oral/oral.htm APHA Conference • 2003 Nov 17. Overview. A. What is oral health

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Seniors’ oral health: planning for the future Author: Jackie Smorang, BA, Dip DH, MSEd

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  1. Seniors’ oral health: planning for the futureAuthor: Jackie Smorang, BA, Dip DH, MSEd Presented by Dr. Luke ShwartManager, Community Oral Health Serviceswww.calgaryhealthregion.ca/hecomm/oral/oral.htmAPHA Conference • 2003 Nov 17

  2. Overview A. What is oral health B. Seniors demographics C. Best practices review D. Status quo in Calgary E. Recommendations/Action Plan

  3. Persons age 65+ y Calgary Health Region

  4. Seniors: a continuum independent ------ need help ------ dependent

  5. Independent-living adults: % edentulous(1991 Ontario)

  6. Edentulism: age or cohort? Older adults: • inferior access to care over lifetime • less sophisticated dental treatment • determinants of health • disadvantaged • low income • uninsured • less educated

  7. Service usage by nursing home residents(2000 US)

  8. Seniors’ self assessment vs.professional assessment(1995 Winnipeg)

  9. Barriers to Dental Care • lack of perceived need • financial constraints • transportation and access difficulties • poor health

  10. Best practices • Literature review • Working examples • Evaluation • Educational institutions

  11. Problem: lack of evaluation • Measurement of changes in oral health status of elderly is complex • No universally accepted index • More research needed

  12. Integrated Oral Health Care Model 1999 B.C. Karen Moore Resident & Family Community professionals Care staff Dental hygienist as coordinator

  13. Recommendations Summary • Education and information (oral health linkage to general health)needed for seniors, health professionals, caregivers and policy-makers. • Include oral health in Seniors’ Programs assessments. • Oral care standards for residents in regional care facilities. • Targeted dental treatment program for at-risk low-income seniors.

  14. Action Plan — 5 parts 1. Initiate accord across all Regional programs 2. Use health promotion strategies to generate awareness and action 3. Identify gaps and priorities 4. Generate innovative strategies 5. Advocate for change

  15. 1. Initiate accord across all Regional programs a. Oral care is an essential element of primary care and integral to the general health and well-being of older adults b. Include oral health in seniors’ general health assessments c. Collect oral health information.

  16. 2. Use health promotion strategies to generate awareness and action a. Raise awareness among seniors, professionals, policy-makers, health care personnel, the public b. Improve knowledge among Regional health care providers c. Develop partnerships in the seniors’ community to generate and leverage oral health promotion

  17. 3. Identify gaps and priorities a. Review current Regional programs b. Review knowledge, attitudes and practices by care facility staff c. Develop standards/outcomes for care facilities d. Develop a continuing education plan for Regional dental staff re: oral care needs of the elderly e. Identify seniors’ oral health needs and priorities • seniors’ focus groups • dental health professionals f. Report (for future program planning)

  18. 4. Generate innovative strategies a. Develop innovative pilot project(s) b. Improve communication and cooperation between individuals and agencies (re: seniors’ oral health) c. Evaluate projects and initiatives • impact on seniors’ oral health • assist in resource allocation d. Share information about ways to improve seniors’ oral health care

  19. 5. Advocate for change a. Advocate for provincial standards for care facilities b. Advocate revised provincial regulations for Dental Hygienists c. Advocate that all students in health professions learn oral health needs of seniors

  20. Vision • General awareness of importance and implications of seniors’ oral health • Oral health services to seniors in various living situations • Oral care programs sensitive to concerns of the elderly and reflect the diversity of their financial, physical and mental conditions • No financial and physical barriers to care

  21. Creating the Future No single, simple, strategy It requires effort, perseverance, resources and changes in attitude

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