Welsh Health Minister Confirms Funding for Oral Healthcare for Home Residents
Deputy Health Minister Vaughan Gething has confirmed funding for better oral healthcare for care home residents in Wales.
With the help of a funding pot worth £700,000, elderly people living in care homes in Wales will now receive better standards of dental healthcare and access to specialist dental services, including care for patients with disabilities and special care dentistry.
As part of a new initiative, care homes will also be advised to have a plan in place to provide dental care for residents and ensure that they have access to local dental services. In addition to enforcing measures to deal with oral healthcare issues, care homes will also be advised to employ staff or work with local dental services to promote good oral hygiene in the home.
New measures will also include ensuring that new residents undergo an oral health risk assessment check within one week of moving into the home in addition to regular dental check-ups.
The move comes in light of concerns related to older people missing out on dental care, despite the fact that the risk of dental disease often increases with age. With policies and measures in place, older people living in care homes should be able to access the care they need and take steps to maintain good oral health during their time in the home.
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