Is oral hygiene emphasised enough for older adults with cerebrovascular accident?

Abstract

Aims of the study: The aims of the study were to 1) determine whether caregivers have enough time, skills, and motivation to conduct basic oral hygiene care for older adults who had a stroke, 2) investigate the ability of older stroke adults to carry out their own oral hygiene care independently and, 3) determine if further training is required for caregivers to assist older adults who have had a stroke in maintaining better oral hygiene. Methodology: Quantitative cross-sectional anonymous research methods were used to collect data through distributed questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Two separate standardised structured questionnaires were distributed to carers and stroke patients. Results: 75 caregivers completed the questionnaire, and 27 patients were interviewed. Significant differences between carers with different levels of education were observed in the frequency of routine dental hygiene visits, toothbrushing use of interdental cleaning aids, and mouth wash. These were higher among caregivers in the tertiary level education group(p<0.05). Caregivers with higher educational levels considered oral health to be an important factor contributing to general health (p = 0.008). Stroke patients acknowledged the needs for oral care. Significant differences were observed in reported oral care parameters between patients’ and carers’ reports (p<0.05). Conclusions: Caregivers of older adults who have had a stroke and the older adults themselves understand the importance of oral health care. There is scope to improve the current delivery of effective oral hygiene and create and implement an effective model which is part of the daily care plan for older adults who have had a stroke and are residing in long-term residential care.