Interventions for Older Adults to Overcome Obstacles Affecting Oral Care: Applying Health Promotion Methods Through Community Service
Abstract
This is a poster presentation describing a creative activity engaging advanced health promotion strategies through community service. Winchester Wellness is a grant-funded program of Bridges Health that utilizes a preventative health approach to support a healthy lifestyle and wellness. Services are available to support physical, emotional, and social health, including health screening, promotion, education, and dental, foot, and nail care. The program supports underserved and at-risk populations facing health inequities. Older adults have several health considerations affecting their oral health, including xerostomia, apraxia, decreased physical capabilities, medication use, cognitive issues, and other health comorbidities. These factors can lead to periodontal disease, edentulism, dental caries, oral infections, and lesions in older adult populations. The goals of this activity were to:Enhance the quality of life and overall health outcomes for older adults through evidence-based health promotion and education delivered to older adults and their caregivers on proper daily oral care techniques and practices,Increase awareness and utilization of adaptive equipment available for daily oral care among older adults with physical mobility limitations. Mobility was a common challenge that impacted older adult patients and their ability to perform good oral care. Patients were educated and provided information on differing types of adaptive equipment that would minimize mobility issues on their oral health. Adaptive equipment, including built-up handles, toothbrush holders, electric toothbrushes, and flossing aids, to include floss picks and Gripit floss holders, were discussed. Evidence demonstrates the importance of educating patients and their caregivers about good oral health routines and the adaptive equipment available to improve oral health among older adults. Most dental conditions can be avoided with proper and timely education focused on quality oral care and regular preventative dental care. The literature underscores the significance of evidence-based teaching and performing proper oral care among older adults. Research further demonstrates a high prevalence of oral health problems within the older adult population, including tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. These issues can significantly impact overall health and quality of life. Early interventions can prevent serious complications later on.
College
College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Department
Nursing
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Jen Timm
Second Advisor/Mentor
Ashley Busch and Amy Harter
Third Advisor/Mentor
Community Partner: Bridges Health
Location
Ballroom - Kryzsko Commons
Start Date
4-18-2024 2:00 PM
End Date
4-18-2024 3:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
2b=2pm-3pm
Poster Number
10
Interventions for Older Adults to Overcome Obstacles Affecting Oral Care: Applying Health Promotion Methods Through Community Service
Ballroom - Kryzsko Commons
This is a poster presentation describing a creative activity engaging advanced health promotion strategies through community service. Winchester Wellness is a grant-funded program of Bridges Health that utilizes a preventative health approach to support a healthy lifestyle and wellness. Services are available to support physical, emotional, and social health, including health screening, promotion, education, and dental, foot, and nail care. The program supports underserved and at-risk populations facing health inequities. Older adults have several health considerations affecting their oral health, including xerostomia, apraxia, decreased physical capabilities, medication use, cognitive issues, and other health comorbidities. These factors can lead to periodontal disease, edentulism, dental caries, oral infections, and lesions in older adult populations. The goals of this activity were to:Enhance the quality of life and overall health outcomes for older adults through evidence-based health promotion and education delivered to older adults and their caregivers on proper daily oral care techniques and practices,Increase awareness and utilization of adaptive equipment available for daily oral care among older adults with physical mobility limitations. Mobility was a common challenge that impacted older adult patients and their ability to perform good oral care. Patients were educated and provided information on differing types of adaptive equipment that would minimize mobility issues on their oral health. Adaptive equipment, including built-up handles, toothbrush holders, electric toothbrushes, and flossing aids, to include floss picks and Gripit floss holders, were discussed. Evidence demonstrates the importance of educating patients and their caregivers about good oral health routines and the adaptive equipment available to improve oral health among older adults. Most dental conditions can be avoided with proper and timely education focused on quality oral care and regular preventative dental care. The literature underscores the significance of evidence-based teaching and performing proper oral care among older adults. Research further demonstrates a high prevalence of oral health problems within the older adult population, including tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. These issues can significantly impact overall health and quality of life. Early interventions can prevent serious complications later on.
