DEVELOPMENT OF AN ORAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM FOR HOMEBOUND OR BEDRIDDEN ELDERLY AT BAN DON SALAB, KANCHANABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This qualitative research study aimed to develop an oral health care system for homebound or bedridden elderly in the community of Ban Don Salab, Kanchanaburi province. The participants consisted of 16 individuals from the multidisciplinary team at Sub-District Health Promoting Hospital, 12 voluntary elderly caretakers, and one village head. The target group were homebound or bedridden elderly and/or caretakers from 31 families. The data were collected by oral health behavior interview forms. Dental caries score that was modified from WHO criteria, simplified oral hygiene index, and Winkel tongue coating index were used to examine oral health status. Data were analyzed with content analysis, percentage and mean. The system that was developed consisted of the following components: 1) Searching for homebound or bedridden elderly; 2) Enrolling these individuals in the Long-term Health Care Services for Dependent Elderly Project; 3) Checking the elderly’s oral health; 4) Creating individual plans for general health care and oral health care; 5) Requesting funds from the local administration organization; 6) Developing knowledge and skills on giving oral health care advice for voluntary elderly caretakers; 7) Caring and monitoring individual general health and oral health; and 8) Using technology for communication. The results showed that all homebound or bedridden elderly most frequently cared for their oral health by themselves or by their caretakers. It was also found that the average bacterial plaque reduced significantly, while tongue coating also was significantly reduced. It was concluded that oral health improved as a result of this intervention study.