Effects of Caregiver Oral Health Interventions on Quality-of-Life Outcomes in Long-Term Care Facilities
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Authors
Elliott, Rae L.
Issue Date
2021-06
Type
Dissertation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Health sciences , Health care management , Dentistry , Geriatric oral health , Health-related quality-of-life , Long-term care facilities , Caregivers , Quality-of-life outcomes
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background: An increasing older adult population presents challenges to the health care system at large. Older adults often face comorbidities that accelerate the need for long-term care dependence when the older adult’s physical or cognitive limitations become unmanageable. Long-term care facility residents commonly suffer from poor oral health, which often worsens or is exacerbated by comorbidities. Thus, long-term care facility residents are often victims of oral health disparities whereby poor oral health leads to poor overall health and quality-of-life outcomes. Long-term care facility caregivers play a critical role in sustaining and even improving long-term care residents’ oral health by providing assistance with daily oral health interventions. The purpose of this literature review was to research the effects of caregiver-assisted oral health interventions on long-term care facility residents’ quality of life.
Methods: The review of the literature addressed the following topics: (a) geriatric oral health, (b) oral health interventions, (c) quality-of-life outcomes, and (d) caregiver oral health training.
Results: A review of the literature demonstrates oral health interventions provided by long-term care facility caregivers as necessary activities of daily living to maintain long-term care facility residents’ oral health. Most importantly, the oral health interventions provided by long-term care facility caregivers have been shown to improve long-term care facility residents’ quality-of-life outcomes. Long-term care facility caregivers are active participants in ensuring the successful aging of long-term care facility residents.
Conclusion: Long-term care facility caregivers play a valuable role in decreasing the number of oral health disparities incurred by long-term care facility residents. Long-term caregiver-assisted oral health interventions provided to long-term care facility residents promote the improvement of residents’ quality-of-life outcomes. Daily mouth care is deemed to be an essential activity of daily living that care-dependent long-term care facility residents must receive based upon their individualized care plans.
Description
Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Health Sciences.
Citation
Elliott, R. L. (2021). Effects of caregiver oral health interventions on quality-of-life outcomes in long-term care facilities (Order No. 28497065). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Bridgeport; ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (2546093271).