I am where I am today because I have always wanted to do more for seniors. Many years ago, I remember putting on my scrubs and dragging my equipment into a nursing home facility thinking, “There has got to be more.” Advocating for seniors became my passion as I realized the need for better care, respect, and support in facilities.
Don’t get me wrong, I love being a geriatric dental hygienist. Even when I wasn’t known all over the world, I have always loved serving seniors. But, I had this longing deep inside of me to do greater things and impact more people for the better.
I knew that I would be limited if I didn’t take the leap and go “rogue”. So, I did and I haven’t looked back since. I swam through shark-infested waters to become an oral care educator.
Now, I promote the importance of oral care for seniors by communicating and educating the community. I also offer oral care training to residents, their family members, and staff in nursing homes.
My journey to becoming the Geriatric Tooth Fairy was tough, but I made it and it is better than I ever imagined and I have no regrets about doing this work.
With this in mind, let’s talk about today’s blog topic: What are the benefits of raising awareness about the oral care plight of seniors?
Creates Awareness in Long-term Care Facilities
Offering training in long-term care facilities transfers oral care knowledge to the staff, mostly certified nursing assistants (CNAs), who take care of seniors.
Studies show that a majority of staff in these facilities lack adequate training in oral care procedures, such as brushing, flossing, and cleaning dentures.
Training caregivers on these oral care procedures has helped build their competence and confidence to offer better oral care to the seniors.
This has prevented the premature death of seniors, many of whom suffer from systemic diseases directly linked to poor oral care. These diseases include aspiration pneumonia, heart disease, cancer, urinary tract infections, and Alzheimer’s disease. By advocating for seniors and ensuring proper oral health care, we can help reduce the risk of these conditions and improve the overall quality of life for older adults.
Increases Awareness in the Community
A significant barrier to oral healthcare for seniors is the underestimation of the oral care that they need.
Members of the community, including dental professionals, academics, and policymakers, need to raise awareness about the need for equity in the provision of oral health.
It is for this very reason that I offer training and give talks all over the world. Some of the issues that I talk about in these discussions include the importance of proper daily and professional care for seniors and the need for funding resources for oral healthcare programs for seniors. Advocating for seniors is essential to ensure they receive the care they deserve, especially when it comes to oral health. Proper oral care is often overlooked in senior care facilities, yet it plays a significant role in preventing a variety of health issues, including heart disease, aspiration pneumonia, and cognitive decline. By raising awareness and securing adequate resources, we can improve the quality of life for seniors, empowering them to live healthier, longer lives with dignity.
I communicate these messages in nursing homes, social media, the mass media, and a book that I have written.
Members of the community can spread this knowledge using different channels, including direct communication during office visits, written messages, seminars, and the mass media.
Build Capacity of Residents and Staff
To improve the health of seniors, it is also important to educate residents and staff to help build their capacity and confidence to offer better oral care to elders.
In addition, members of the community need to raise awareness about the impact of aging on oral health, the importance of daily and professional oral care for seniors, and the need for accessible resources. Advocating for seniors through increased awareness and providing adequate oral healthcare can significantly improve the overall oral health of seniors, ensuring they receive the care they deserve.
Invite me to talk about different topics, such as establishing a successful mobile clinic, treating patients equally, addressing oral health care needs for seniors, mental dental health, among others.
