Enter and view: Oral health in Islington care homes
Download (PDF 172.34 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Islington wanted to learn more about oral health in Islington’s nursing and care homes. Over a three-week period in November 2019, they conducted Enter and View visits to six homes. During these visits they spoke to 46 residents, 31 staff and 24 relatives.
They concluded that residents in the homes visited are generally well-supported with care of their teeth and dentures. Staff were well trained in oral health issues and good practice was in evidence across all of the homes. However, they also felt that both residents and relatives could be better informed about wider mouth care and oral health issues generally. Where appropriate, access to preventative dental services should be encouraged. Dental check-ups can play a key role in keeping the mouth healthy and identifying problems early when they are easier to treat.
The report contains 6 recommendations about improving oral health and access to dental checks for care home residents.