Oral health of older adults in Brazilian nursing homes: Case report involving the department of public prosecution

Abstract

The poor oral health of older adults, living in nursing homes (NH), affects their quality of life, requiring government protection in favor of the collectivity and to defend the social and individual rights of Brazilians. citizens This study reports a case investigated by the Department of Public Prosecution of Rio Grande do Sul/Brazil, which received complaints about the care provided to the residents of a nursing home, including oral care, which was unsatisfactory. A multidisciplinary team carried out visits to the institution and analysis, with professionals in the medical, nursing and dental fields. No mistreatment was confirmed, but dental healthcare revealed poor hygiene conditions that leaded to the confection of a Term of Conduct Adjustment (TCA), to be implemented in the inspected institution. Nevertheless, some of the elder residents still presented unsatisfactory oral health conditions, with some necessary action inside the institution to enhance the quality of life for this group.