Exploring the Experience of Oral Health Care for the Elderly in Community

• Main Authors: Hui-chun Yang, 楊惠鈞
• Other Authors: Yi-Chen Lin
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/56259098108426556531

碩士 === 中臺科技大學 === 護理研究所 === 100 === According to the data from the Ministry of the Interior in 2012, which indicates that the number of elderly people has reached 10.92%. Health care for the elderly has become an important issue especially in the area of oral health care. However, the investigation on the experience of oral health care specifically for the elderly people is rarely explored in Taiwan. This is a qualitative research which includes over-65-year-old community elderly as participants who have clear consciousness and are able to communicate verbally. Data are being collected using in-depth interviews and semi-structured interviews until reaching data saturation. This study analyzes the data of 10 interviewees and concludes three main themes and eleven sub-themes. First, the experience of oral hygiene: the choice of tooth cleaning tool and the tooth cleaning methods. Second, the experience of treatment of oral care: seeking medical attention only when critically ill; worrying about medical treatment; the pressure from economic burden; perception of the treating process. Third, the experience of maintaining oral health: lack of oral health care knowledge; the attitude toward oral health; seeking treatment in conventional medicine; adopting alternative medicine; proper food choices. It is hoped that the research can be developed as an assessment tool to maintain the oral health of the elderly population. Various kinds of education program can raise awareness of oral health of community elderly and improve their related skills. Medical professionals are advised that understanding the experience of oral health care of community elderly can offer integrated medical care on physical, mental and sociological levels and increase willingness to maintain oral health. Government institutions are also advised to include oral health care plans in promoting national health activities and allow for older persons'' welfare when making health policies.