Aspects of eating and quality of care among elderly in short-term accommodations - before and after an intervention

• Background: Lately, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and the mealtime situation for elderly people living in special accommodations have been placed in focus. In addition, it has been shown that the prevalence of dysphagia, an important aspect of the eating process, is high among frail elderly people. However, the knowledge on how frail elderly people in general perceive oral health and the mealtime situation is scarce. To our knowledge, there is no research on which eating and oral health related experience, older people regard as important factors in short-term accommodations. A simple and innovative training method for people with dysphagia has been successfully tested among people with stroke. In the present study the aims are (1) to describe OHRQoL, the prevalence of dysphagia and eating difficulties among elderly people in short-term accommodations, as well as their perceptions of care quality related to oral health and eating, (2) to compare elderly peoples’ and nursing staffs’ perceptions of quality, and (3) to evaluate a training program for dysphagia.Methods and materials: In this prospective study 400 older people will be examined with validated instruments measuring OHRQoL, perception of care quality, swallowing capacity and eating ability (OHIP14, QPP, SCT, MEONF-II). Patients with dysphagia will be included in an intervention program and tested before and after the training period.Results: Preliminary results will be presented.Conclusion: Eating and oral health is a multidisciplinary responsibility and key factors of importance for this process will be identified.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Hälsa och välfärd

Health and Welfare

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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