Oral Health in Care Homes

Description

Local Authorities have a statutory duty to provide or commission oral health improvement programmes to improve the health of the local population, to the extent they consider appropriate. Oral diseases, including the most common oral health conditions - tooth decay and gum disease- are largely preventable. Despite this, the impact of poor oral health locally, nationally and globally is huge. In the UK context, treatment of oral health conditions cost the NHS over £3 billion per year but the cost to society is even greater. Among older adults in residential care, poor oral hygiene can lead to aspirated pneumonia and malnutrition and dehydration, which in turn can lead to urinary tract infection. It vital that Oldham has a dedicated provision in place to support vulnerable older adults. Lot 1: The Authority has awarded a contract to an existing provider following Direct Award Process C under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR). High level outcomes which the service is expected to make a direct contribution to: • Decrease the levels of aspiration pneumonia in Care Homes • Reduce the number of admissions via A&E for pneumonia from care homes • Reduce the levels of Hospital Acquired Pneumonia for non-elective admissions • Reduce the levels of disease by improving oral health in the elderly and the vulnerable • Reduce the treatment needs for these groups • Increase awareness to all frontline staff of the links between oral care and poor hydration and nutrition • Increase the awareness of the links between poor oral care and aspirating pneumonia • Increase the number of residents in care homes with personal oral health care plans • Increase the number of the elderly cared for in their own homes with personal oral care plans • Increase the number of patients on admission to hospital with an oral care plan Contract start date: 4 July 2025 Contract end date: 30 June 2026