Oral Health Care Situation of Dependent Older People: Older Health CareStakeholders Perspectives

Objective: To explore the oral health care situation of dependent older people in Tambon Tha Pla Duk, Amphur Mae Tha, Lamphun Province in the north of Thailand from the perspectives of older health care stakeholders. Material and Method: Data were collected through focus group discussion with key stakeholders in older peoples’ health care. Supplementary data were collected through a triangulation of in-depth interviews, selfadministered questionnaires, and participant observations with field notes. Data analysis was carried out by using qualitative approaches. The data from all processes were coded, grouped, interpreted, and thematically analyzed for emerging themes. Results: The oral health care situation of dependent older people identified by the stakeholders were categorized into four issues: 1) Stakeholders’ perceptions about the importance of oral care for dependent older people, 2) The current oral health services and access to oral health services for dependent older people, 3) The problems identified by the stakeholders regarding oral care, and 4) The needs of the stakeholders regarding oral care. There were three main issues needing urgent consideration to improve the oral health care of the dependent older people in this sub-district: 1) No specific oral health care and services were available for the dependent older people. 2) There would have to be an improvement of the stakeholders’ knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes regarding older peoples’ oral care. 3) Increased awareness of older peoples’ oral health care in the community was necessary. Conclusion: The oral health care situation of dependent older people identified by the stakeholders should be considered important in order to develop an effective geriatric oral health program in this sub-district.