Grant funds oral health for elderly
ACAP, PI Rehab and Nursing Center partner to create training opportunity
A grant from the American Dental Association Foundation (ADA), made it possible for Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP) Oral Health to partner with Presque Isle Rehab and Nursing Center to create an oral health education training module for the CNAs who are the residents’ first line care-givers.
Contributed photo
BETTER ORAL HEALTH — ACAP and Presque Isle Residential and Nursing Home recently held a wrap-up party after staff members successfully completed an oral health training. Taking part were, from left, front row: Gloria Robbins, CNA-M, Dawn Haes, CNA, and Anne Chapman, ACAP Community Education Specialist (and the Tooth Fairy). Middle row: Barb St. Pierre, CNA-M, Stephanie Ball, RN, Jordan Kapilotis, CNA, Pam Knoll, LPN (partially visible), Robin Doughty, CNA, Robin Stetson, DON, and Dolly Libby, CNA. Back row: Beverly Butt, CNA, Anna Harns, CNA, Emma Walker, RN (partially visible), Whitney Michaud, CNA, Katrina Ellis, CNA, Alicia Keegan, RN and Nikki Ball, RN.
ACAP Oral Health Educator, Anne Chapman, worked closely with Robin Stetson, RN, DON, to train currently employed nurses and CNAs on best practice in oral health care for seniors.
“Our goal has been to improve oral health care for the residents,” explained Chapman. “Mouth care is health care. I’ve learned the risks associated with poor oral hygiene is linked to pneumonia, poor nutrition, and aggravation of diabetes and cardiac conditions. The fastest growing population is that of retiring people. They are the most underinsured concerning dental health benefits, therefore many residents can’t afford professional dental care. Thus there is a critical need to teach and train the caregivers working in residential settings.”
Rose Louten, PIRNC administrator and Stetson, PIRNC director of nursing, recently completed a final review meeting with Chapman and Rachelle Roy, supervisor of the ACAP Oral Health program.
“As reported by the dental hygienist who comes to PIRNC every six months, there has been an improvement in the mouth care of the residents she serves,” said Stetson. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome of this additional staff training and its notable impact of improved oral health of our residents as well as its potential overall health benefits.”
As a result of this successful partnership, Chapman will be providing an in-service every six months at PIRNC.
“This will help reinforce concepts and help ensure mouth care remains a high priority for our residents,” Stetson added.
For more information on this program, contact Chapman at 207-768-3026 ext. 322.
