Challenges and barriers to quality oral care as perceived by caregivers in long-stay institutions in Brazil

• Published in: Gerodontology Vol. 29; no. 2; pp. e324 - e330
• Main Authors: Unfer, Beatriz, Braun, Katia O., de Oliveira Ferreira, Ana C., Ruat, Gabrielle R., Batista, Aline K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.06.2012
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Attitude of Health Personnel; Attitude to Health; Brazil; Caregivers - education; Caregivers - psychology; Clinical Competence; Education, Nursing; elderly; Female; Health Behavior; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Services Accessibility; Health Status; Homes for the Aged; Humans; institutionalised elderly; Long-Term Care; Male; Middle Aged; Mouthwashes - therapeutic use; Nurses - psychology; Nurses' Aides - education; Nursing Homes; Nursing Staff - psychology; Oral Health; Oral Hygiene - education; Oral Hygiene - standards; Quality of Health Care; Toothbrushing; Young Adult; Brazil
• ISSN: 0734-0664; 1741-2358; 1741-2358
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-2358.2011.00475.x

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00475.x 
 Challenges and barriers to quality oral care as perceived by caregivers in long‐stay institutions in Brazil Objective:  To describe how caregivers perceive the oral health status in the elderly they care for; the routines for oral hygiene in nursing homes; caregivers perceived barriers for quality oral care; and the caregivers competence and need for training in this area. Background:  The phenomena surrounding ageing has been the subject of worldwide interest, particularly concerning issues related to institutionalised elderly, where several studies have shown the precarious oral health status of such individuals. Materials and methods:  A qualitative interview study was held in a city in southern Brazil. Study participants were 26 caregivers of elderly people, belonging to seven institutions. Statements were collected through interviews, whose results were interpreted by phenomenological analysis. Results:  Caregivers of institutionalised elderly reveal contradictions in knowledge and practices of oral health. Although it could be expected that the perception and attitudes of caregivers of their own oral health could influence the care they offer to the elderly, barriers to the implementation of such activities appear to refer to situations outside of their responsibility, especially in the absence of time and staff. Conclusions:  The oral care of older people in geriatric institutions requires multidisciplinary and interinstitutional actions capable of reversing the continuing framework of neglect, requiring interventions for health promotion and disease prevention that can and should be implemented in institutions.