Home care elderly have poorer oral health than nursing home residents, Study says

The authors assessed two German studies in which the oral health of 246 nursing home residents and 90 home care recipients aged ≥60 years was evaluated objectively using the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) and subjectively using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP). OHAT and OHIP scores were compared between both settings. Multivariable logistic regressions were applied to investigate whether oral health is associated with sex, age group, LTC grade, and LTC setting.

The following results were observed-

3. OHAT and OHIP mean scores in the home care setting was higher compared to the nursing home setting (OHAT: 3.13 vs. 1.28, p < .0001; OHIP: 7.81 vs. 2.15, p < .0001).
4. The adjusted odds ratios for poor objective and subjective oral health for home care recipients vs. nursing home residents were 6.71 (95 % confidence interval 3.29−13.69) and 4.92 (2.77−8.76).
5. No significant associations with sociodemographic characteristics were found.

Therefore, it was concluded that "oral health was poor in both settings, but home care recipients were more likely to have poor oral health than nursing home residents. Interventions to improve oral health is needed in the nursing home setting and, even more importantly, in the home care setting."