The Living Well for Longer conference took place on the 16th November 2016, focusing on care and support for older people, their carers and family members living across Kent Surrey and Sussex. Presentation topics included Frailty, Dementia and End of Life Care. Delegates listened to examples of good practice, received practical tools and techniques to take back to their workplace.
The Mouth Care Matters team, Michael Wheeler (Mouth Care Matters Training Lead) and Dr Mili Doshi (Mouth Care Matters Clinical Lead) gave an informative and engaging presentation discussing how vulnerable older adults in acute and community care are at risk from oral health problems, and how poor oral health can lead to deterioration in general health and wellbeing leading to increased frailty. Information was provided on the current training initiatives that are being rolled out across Kent, Surrey and Sussex to empower staff and carers to provide good mouth care and improve oral health. Oral health related CQC information and NICE guidelines were also discussed.
Mike Wheeler said “The event brings together a very wide range of health and social care professionals, and lay people with a real interested in improving health. For the Mouth Care Matters team, it provides a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate to others that mouth care, is not just the responsibility of dental teams, but to everyone involved with the care of others.”
Dr Mili Doshi said “Good oral health is important for overall health and is a key component of personal care. The conference was a great opportunity to share the Mouth Care Matters work and empower delegates to make changes where necessary.”
100% of delegates that attended this conference found the Mouth Care Matters talk was relevant and useful.