Finding the Need and Filling It
At EPAGA Home Care, we find ourselves in an ever-changing, ever-evolving environment—one that requires us to be highly-adaptable and thoroughly committed. Our staff is here to provide multi-faceted care in a variety of different ways to your loved ones, and to assist your family holistically as you navigate the different seasons of life. To serve our community in the most excellent, constructive way, we ground ourselves in our faith, the development of our staff, and the high caliber of our ethic.
Protecting Seniors' Dental Health
THE IMPORTANCE OF SENIOR DENTAL HEALTH
Dental care is about more than cosmetics. Dental health affects overall health. As a result, it’s important for seniors to take care of their oral health.
Oftentimes seniors think that dental care is no longer necessary, especially if they are using dentures. However, dental health is important to manage throughout the aging process.
Taking care of dental health while aging is essential. Help seniors manage their oral care by understanding the risks, complications, and needs they face.
COMMON DENTAL CHALLENGES AGING ADULTS FACE
While people of all ages are at risk of dental issues like cavities, there are several conditions that seniors are more susceptible to. Common dental challenges people face while aging include:
Dry Mouth: A condition in which the mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, dry mouth affects the acid levels in the mouth. This can affect swallowing, digestion, and the teeth and gums negatively. Seniors are especially prone to this condition, especially if their medications list dry mouth as a possible side effect.
Root and Coronal Caries: The decay of the teeth, basic dental caries are often just called cavities. The decay can affect the roots of the tooth and the jawbone as well. Caries can be caused by poor oral hygiene, a poor diet, dry mouth, and more.
Periodontitis: Periodontitis is a gum infection and can cause inflammation and pain. It is often caused by poor oral hygiene or a buildup of bacteria in the mouth.
9 REASONS DENTAL HEALTH CARE MATTERS
Heart disease can be linked to gum disease
Poor oral hygiene can contribute to pneumonia
Periodontitis can exacerbate diabetes
Teeth darken without proper care
Gum disease can lead to tooth loss
Dry mouth poses digestive issues
Root decay can be painful
Teeth can move if others are lost and not replaced
Ill-fitting dentures can be painful and unhealthy
DISEASES THAT CAN AFFECT ORAL HEALTH
Special attention should be given to the dental health of seniors with diseases like:
Liver disease
Diabetes
Arthritis
Anemia
Osteoporosis
Autoimmune disorders
BEST TIPS FOR MANAGING SENIOR ORAL CARE
Most dental health problems seniors face are preventable with the right care. Unfortunately, there are many reasons that seniors do not maintain their oral health effectively. Common causes of poor oral hygiene among seniors include:
Decreased mobility
Impaired memory
Side effects of medication
Medical conditions that affect oral health
The best way to protect seniors’ dental health is to help them manage their oral care. Caregivers can help in various ways. Caregivers might:
Help with brushing or flossing
Set reminders to brush or floss
Encourage seniors to use mouthwash
Schedule regular dental cleanings
Offer transportation to the dentist
Urge seniors to talk to their doctor if medications are causing dry mouth
Simple strategies like these can help seniors avoid dental health problems. This can enable seniors to keep their natural teeth longer and to enjoy regular diets instead of having to switch to soft food due to tooth decay.
At EPAGA Home Care, our caregivers are thoroughly trained in providing care to seniors and those with disabilities, including making trips to the dentist’s office effortless.
For more information on how we can assist you or your loved one with services like visits to the dental cleanings, please visit our services page at the link below.
EPAGA Up Close: Inga Lake
Inga has been part of the EPAGA family since the company’s founding date in 2007, and while she’s one of the owners, she also operates in the role of CFO. Similarly to many of her fellow staff, her passion for home care is derived from a personal narrative and experience. In our own conversation she reflected back on the season in her life when her grandfather fell ill, and it was important to both him and his family that he was at home during a difficult season of life. In light of this, Inga was given a front row seat to the harsh reality of just how hard it is to find an adequate care provider, and an excellent one at that. Because of her grandfather’s situation, she began to learn what home care was, and began to realize the exponential need for quality care provision.
Given Freely
In the words of Peter, though we do not have access to silver, or gold, nor endless resources, or an abundance of staff, we hold tightly and firmly to the love of Jesus, which is what we do have. From His steadfast love flows our diligence and drive to meet the needs in our community and the changing world around us. We are dedicated to the same generosity and zeal that the apostles exhibited in the scriptures, with our time and our resources. The grace and abundance that has been poured freely over our company, we freely give to our community, to our clientele, and to all of you.
Preventative Health Strategies for Seniors
Preventative strategies can help seniors live healthier lives with fewer risks. 60% of older adults manage two or more chronic conditions. Some conditions that affect seniors are preventable; others aren’t but may be improved if they are recognized early enough.
There are several preventative strategies seniors can use to protect their health and reduce their risks, including certain medical tests. It’s important for seniors to have these screenings performed.
Immunization Awareness
How to Help Seniors Make the Most of Doctor Visits
Getting to a doctor visit, as well as understanding and implementing medical advice, can be a challenge for seniors. Aging involves changes in health, physical ability, and medical risks. On average, older adults in the US tend to be in a healthcare setting about 17 days a year. Given how common (and often necessary) it is for seniors to interact with doctors, it is important to help seniors navigate doctor visits well.