New research from the Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA) at SAHMRI has revealed alarming oral health issues affecting residents of Australian residential aged care (RAC) facilities, with one in five individuals suffering from significant dental problems and limited access to necessary dental care.
The study, which analyzed the health data of 360,305 aged care residents, found that 19.6% entered aged care with at least one oral health concern, including gum disease, tooth loss, and cavities. The research, published in the Medical Journal of Australia, underscores the critical state of dental health among the elderly population.
The study also identified that more than 7,000 residents were hospitalized due to oral health complications, with half of these cases being deemed potentially preventable. Despite the severity of the findings, the issue of inadequate oral care persists in aged care facilities, according to the lead researcher, Professor Gill Caughey.
“These findings clearly show that oral health care for our vulnerable older Australians is inadequate,” said Professor Caughey. “These hospitalizations represent only a fraction of the problem, which has far-reaching consequences for residents’ overall health and well-being.”
Poor oral health in aged care is linked to a range of serious comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, and cognitive decline. Professor Caughey highlighted several systemic barriers contributing to the ongoing issue, including limited access to care, high staff turnover, insufficient education on dental health, high costs, and poor integration between aged care and health sectors.
Despite clear recommendations made by the 2021 Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which called for improved access to dental services and the creation of a Senior Dental Benefits Scheme, little progress has been made in addressing these concerns.
“Urgent changes to policy and practice are essential if we are serious about improving the health and well-being of older Australians,” Professor Caughey emphasized.
The study was conducted in collaboration with the South Australian Oral Health Plan Older Person’s Working Group and further supports the need for a Senior Dental Benefits Scheme to ensure better oral care for the elderly population.
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