In-home care services are primarily focused on providing your loved one with non-medical care. If your loved one needs more intense medical care, in-home medical care might be supplementary, but there are other services you may need. However, in-home care can improve the health of your loved one including their oral health.

Your Loved One Doesn't Have to Lose Their Teeth

One common misconception is that losing your teeth is inevitable as you grow older. However, only 26% of those 65 or older have lost all their teeth. Even if your loved one may require partial dentures or a dental implant, they will be better off if they are able to keep as many teeth as possible.

However, one problem that some seniors face is that they may struggle to carry out day-to-day responsibilities such as grooming, bathing, and brushing their teeth. An in-home care service can help your loved one engage in these activities and can also perform these activities when your loved one is unable to physically do them.

Poor Oral Health is Linked with Other Health Problems

Experts have found that cardiovascular disease, endocarditis, pneumonia, and osteoporosis are linked to poor oral health. Therefore, if you have in-home care services living with your senior, you may be able to improve the overall health outcome of your senior as well. 

Better Oral Health

In-home care services can not only help combat oral decay but can also help your loved one fight bad breath, which can improve your senior's overall quality of life. Also, a common cause for poor oral health is a poor diet. For example, a diet deficient in calcium can not only contribute to brittle bones but can also lead to poor oral health.

If your loved one has teeth that have become weakened, they may need changes to be made to their diet. For example, eating food that is tough or hard may no longer be possible. Vegetables might need to be cooked and cut into smaller pieces so they are easier to eat and are less likely to cause a chipped tooth. An in-home care assistant can also notice when your loved one may need more advanced dental care from a dentist.

Providing your senior with better meals is also an important part of offering companionship. Your loved one can accompany the in-home care technician to pick out grocery items that they are more interested in and can accompany your loved one as they eat. This will lead to better overall emotional and physical health.

Reach out to a local in-home care service to learn more.