Needs Assessment and Oral Health Status in Facility Dwelling Seniors

Objectives: The project aims were to establish a comprehensive description of oral health status of residents in long term care facilities, and to assess correlation between Activities of Daily Living (ADL), ambulatory level and oral health status.
Methods: Oral health of residents in four long-term care facilities was assessed from 2014-15 by senior dental hygiene students with supervision by a registered dental hygienist. The oral assessment followed the parameters of the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT). Data collection also included gender, age, ambulatory level, and the ADL assessment. Data was entered into an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed statistically.
Results: Overall 317 residents were assessed. Gender distribution included 73% females and 27% males. Age ranged from 40-100 years; average 83.1±10. Assessment of independence level of the residents revealed 45% needed complete assistance for all ADLs and 35% required two or more staff caregivers for ADLs. Ambulatory assessment revealed that 64% were in wheelchairs and 8% were totally not ambulatory. Mouth cleanliness was scored deficient in 77% of residents. Ambulation and independence were highly correlated (r=0.7). Gum associated issues as assessed by the OHAT were related to the other OHAT domains with the highest correlation to cleanliness (r=0.54). Dementia level was correlated to denture-related complications (r=0.4).
Conclusions: Oral health status among residents in long-term care requires further attention. Seniors assessed with reduced ambulation and declining independence require special consideration with regards to daily mouth care and monitoring and maintaining oral health.