Assessment of elderly people on entry to residential homes and continuing care arrangements.

Increasing numbers of elderly people are entering private residential homes in the UK. Results of surveys show poor oral health in this group. A survey was therefore conducted of 50 residential homes (housing 1337 residents) to determine assessment on entry and continuing care provision. In 38 per cent of homes no written notes were made of the initial assessment. Topics of dental interests were infrequently assessed on entry (only 16 per cent of carers examined the oral cavity, 52 per cent assessed the subject's ability to care for their dentures). Medical topics (mobility, incontinence, eyesight, etc) were all assessed in more than 80 per cent of subjects. Suggestions are made for utilization of an easy assessment questionnaire and improved denture naming arrangements. The importance of regular check-ups, education and publicity for this group is stressed.