Tannhelse og pasienter med hjemmetjenester. En pilotstudie i Hedmark
Sammanfattning
In Norway the elderly are living at home as long as possible. Consequently many elderly
receive home care services. The first aim of the study was to investigate dental health, provision of
dental services, and procedures for oral care among users in home care services. The second aim
was to explore the need for guidance in oral care among their nurses. 63 users of home care and 56
caregivers in Elverum municipality participated. The study consisted of a clinical examination of the
users and an anonymous questionnaire survey among nurses. Forty-two percent of users had MPS >
4, indicating unacceptable oral hygiene. Sixtyseven percent used more than five medications daily,
44 % reported dry mouth, 14 % received help with tooth brushing, 47 % were in need of dental care,
and 49 % went regularly to the dentist (14 public dental health services and 17 private dental
practice), 49 % had received information about free treatment in the public dental health service.
Forty-four percent of nurses felt they needed more guidance on oral hygiene.
Conclusion: The elderly in this pilot study had substantial dental treatmentne eds, oral hygiene
should be improved, and nurses should be given more guidance on oral hygiene.