Identification of elderly in particular need: results of a survey undertaken in residential homes in the Manchester area

Objectives: This paper aims to identify which groups of elderly people living in residential institutions are in particular need of dental care and advice. Comparison of different types of residential institution allows identification of elderly in greatest need of dental assistance. Methods: A postal survey of carers in 250 residential homes for elderly people in Manchester, UK, was undertaken to determine the frequency of dental visits, arrangements for dental care of the residentsʹ teeth and denture cleansing and appliance-wearing patterns and, also, the carersʹ knowledge and practice of simple dental and oral maintenance procedures for residents. Comparisons were undertaken using the SPSS software package of: social service and private homes, large and small homes, homes where regular visits were undertaken and those not regularly visited, and also homes which maintained records of their clientsʹ dental state with those which did not. Results: Residentsʹ oral health tended to be more at risk in smaller or privately managed homes, in those where no dentist visited regularly and where no records of dental care were kept. Conclusion: The dental profession needs to especially target homes where care is less well organized, not only to examine and treat residents, but also to instruct carers in simple mouth care techniques, in order that dental disability in an increasingly dentate population can be minimized.