[Supporting independent oral health care among the home-care elderly--the influence of dementia].
The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of dementia based on the changes of independence conditions targeting the home-care elderly classified as Care level 1 of care needs or support. The care managers entered the basic information and assessment including oral health care for them. The independence level and other aspects of the elderly with and without dementia were examined comparatively for eight weeks. The results were as follows: 1. The highest independence level was observed for oral health care of the elderly without dementia, and it remained at the highest level for eight weeks. 2. Almost all independence levels of the elderly with dementia were significantly lower than those without dementia. 3. The willingness of the elderly without dementia was high among all areas, it was the highest of oral health care. A significant difference was observed between those with and without dementia. 4. As for cooperation from family members, the lowest value was oral health care. It is suggested that the elderly requiring home-based long-term light care or support have a high independence level concerning oral health care. The willingness toward oral health care of the elderly with mild dementia was still high. The elderly with dementia were less independent regarding oral health care. Moreover, an increasing number of elderly people live by themselves, and do not expect support from their families. Active intervention by experts is necessary to improve their independence concerning oral health care.
Watanabe
Yuriko
Y
Gerodontology, Department of Gerodontology, Division of Gerontology and Gerodontology, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University.
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D018577:Homebound Persons; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000379:methods*