Nursing Protocol: Oral Health in Older Patients

Abstract

In the presented article, the authors consider the problem of oral care for older patients with functional or cognitive impairments. This protocol outlines the process for assessing the oral cavity on patient’s admission and at each shift, explaining how to  inform the therapist of  any abnormalities when evaluating the oral health condition, and how to determine the extent to which oral care can be managed by the patient himself or herself. When providing oral care, measures are taken to prevent aspiration.