Oral care provision within many aged-care facilities has room for improvement; inadequate provision could contribute to multiple health consequences and increased risk of pneumonia particularly for frail seniors.
As we balance the effects of COVID-19 on manpower and the importance of this issue within the sector, how can we improve health outcomes through supporting oral care capacities within the aged-care facilities?
A sequel to the ‘CASA-MODAL’ initiative, Professional Oral Care Intervention (POCI) is a novel service model aimed to provide third-party oral care to seniors in nursing homes with the ultimate aim to improve their oral health and therefore reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality.
POCI aims to empower health professionals who are not in full-time service (e.g. retired oral health therapists or nurses) through training and placement into a self-organising team that caters to a group of aged care facilities within the vicinity.
In response to "Do you think quality oral care provision is important for seniors and residents of aged-care facilities in Singapore?"
Definitely
In response to "Who or which organisation do you think should continue to fund the Professional Oral Care Intervention for aged-care facilities on the long-run?"
Government statutory bodies (e.g. AIC, SGenable)
In response to "What made you choose this option? (please indicate who/which organisation you chose to continue funding)"
I choose government organisations as they have the resources to help elderly in their needs. It can be by dentist volunteers to help elderly with their oral health.
In response to "Do you think quality oral care provision is important for seniors and residents of aged-care facilities in Singapore?"
Definitely
In response to "Who or which organisation do you think should continue to fund the Professional Oral Care Intervention for aged-care facilities on the long-run?"
Seniors in NH who utilise this service (fee-for-service) ,Aged care facilities themselves ,Charities, public funds, or social organisations ,Government statutory bodies (e.g. AIC, SGenable)
In response to "What made you choose this option? (please indicate who/which organisation you chose to continue funding)"
all parties are required to make this a affordable service for those in need
In response to "Do you think quality oral care provision is important for seniors and residents of aged-care facilities in Singapore?"
Possibly
In response to "Who or which organisation do you think should continue to fund the Professional Oral Care Intervention for aged-care facilities on the long-run?"
Aged care facilities themselves ,Government statutory bodies (e.g. AIC, SGenable)
In response to "What made you choose this option? (please indicate who/which organisation you chose to continue funding)"
Aic since they are the overarching for integrated care
In response to "Do you think quality oral care provision is important for seniors and residents of aged-care facilities in Singapore?"
Possibly
In response to "Who or which organisation do you think should continue to fund the Professional Oral Care Intervention for aged-care facilities on the long-run?"
Aged care facilities themselves ,Charities, public funds, or social organisations ,Government statutory bodies (e.g. AIC, SGenable)
In response to "What made you choose this option? (please indicate who/which organisation you chose to continue funding)"
It is too much to get seniors who are not working to bear the burden on themselves
In response to "Do you think quality oral care provision is important for seniors and residents of aged-care facilities in Singapore?"
Possibly
In response to "Who or which organisation do you think should continue to fund the Professional Oral Care Intervention for aged-care facilities on the long-run?"
Aged care facilities themselves
In response to "What made you choose this option? (please indicate who/which organisation you chose to continue funding)"
Aged care facilities-- coz they are the closest to the elderlies as well. They can impact them directly. Also since they are funding the project directly, they will have enough motivation to create a stronger impact. However, ther is a con. They might hesitate to continue with the programme if they do not see very significant result( which is very possible in the initial stage)s
In response to "Do you think quality oral care provision is important for seniors and residents of aged-care facilities in Singapore?"
Definitely
In response to "Who or which organisation do you think should continue to fund the Professional Oral Care Intervention for aged-care facilities on the long-run?"
Seniors in NH who utilise this service (fee-for-service)
In response to "What made you choose this option? (please indicate who/which organisation you chose to continue funding)"
Users have to pay.
In response to "Do you think quality oral care provision is important for seniors and residents of aged-care facilities in Singapore?"
Possibly
In response to "Who or which organisation do you think should continue to fund the Professional Oral Care Intervention for aged-care facilities on the long-run?"
Charities, public funds, or social organisations ,Government statutory bodies (e.g. AIC, SGenable)
In response to "What made you choose this option? (please indicate who/which organisation you chose to continue funding)"
Charities, public funds and government statutory bodies. I believe that they are the most poised to fund this project as you guys could target these organizations which are for the elderly as well as in the sphere of nursing their health to sponsor this initiative, which could possibly stand them in good stead as well.
In response to "Do you think quality oral care provision is important for seniors and residents of aged-care facilities in Singapore?"
Definitely
In response to "Who or which organisation do you think should continue to fund the Professional Oral Care Intervention for aged-care facilities on the long-run?"
Seniors in NH who utilise this service (fee-for-service) ,Aged care facilities themselves ,Charities, public funds, or social organisations ,Government statutory bodies (e.g. AIC, SGenable)
In response to "What made you choose this option? (please indicate who/which organisation you chose to continue funding)"
I believe everyone can play a part into help more elderly that needs oral care. It would be too heavy on one organisation itself as we have a ageing population.
In response to "Do you think quality oral care provision is important for seniors and residents of aged-care facilities in Singapore?"
Definitely
In response to "Who or which organisation do you think should continue to fund the Professional Oral Care Intervention for aged-care facilities on the long-run?"
Seniors in NH who utilise this service (fee-for-service) ,Government statutory bodies (e.g. AIC, SGenable)
In response to "What made you choose this option? (please indicate who/which organisation you chose to continue funding)"
The government could build in funds for this as part of Pioneer or Mederka Generation funding with a low cost fee e.g. S$5 by the seniors or on a needs-based basis.
In response to "How Can We Improve?"
Can have regular programs for elders to maintain and protect their teeth. E.g Rinse with Listerine after meals. Brush teeth before sleep. Consume less Sugar drinks.
In response to "How Can We Improve?"
this is a way to secure demand for third party providers. we can also take this opportunity to engage the providers, procure materials at scale, and sell at a smaller markup to these providers
In response to "How Can We Improve?"
Do a trial to see the need how is it like before implementing it island wide or in regions
In response to "How Can We Improve?"
I believe that it is important for you guys think about the benefits the organisations and partners will be reaping from you and your initiative. Coz it will go both ways. If they are not motivated enough, they might withdraw at will which we want to avoid. The incentive does not have to be monetary. Maybe if you guys gain approval from some official gov agency that looks after these kinda programmes, it might increase your credentials.
In response to "How Can We Improve?"
Do you think we can arrange for mobile dental to visit the NH at least once a month?
In response to "How Can We Improve?"
I feel that you can improve by reaching out to more aged care facilities and partnering up with them to fulfill the aged\'s oral care needs as this could be paramount in the difference between them being able to eat and swallow. This is definitely a good initiative, with the backing of the right sponsors and charities/government bodies, it could be a game changer for the elderly here in Singapore
In response to "How Can We Improve?"
How to differentiate between you and other organizations that have similar project than yours.
In response to "How Can We Improve?"
It sounds very daunting financially but perhaps Temasek Foundation could be a source of funding too? Also, the oral service providers should be trained in different dialects. Consider adding dentures to the service menu?
