Person-centered Feeding Care: A Protocol to Re-introduce Oral Feeding for Nursing Home Patients with Tube Feeding

Proposal for a Clinical Approach to Geriatric Patients with Anchor Need on Implant for Removable Denture: New Technique

A method is proposed using a silicone tube to allow the restoration of incongruous prostheses due to the retention of removable prostheses anchored to implants by ball-attachment, also in medical facilities Health Care Residence (RSA) where the equipment characteristic of dental clinics is lacking. One hundred and thirty-seven patients belonging to the Health Care Residence of the Monza and Brianza area were analyzed. Of these, 13 required retention replacement for ball attachment of total lower prostheses to implant anchorage. The new retention procedure was carried out with the patients bedridden according to the methodology of the present work. All 13 patients were perfectly rehabilitated in the Health Care Residence offices without discomfort and pain. The method presented is easily repeatable, risk-free and can also be carried out in structures not dedicated to dentistry, saving economic resources and inconveniences for patients who are not cooperative.

Is the speech-language pathology profession prepared for an ageing population? An Australian survey

PURPOSE

This study profiled the demographic characteristics and practice patterns of speech-language pathologists working with older Australians to inform future workforce planning and service development in response to an ageing population and aged care sector reform.

METHOD

Data were collected through snowball distribution of an online survey comprising six sections: demographic details; caseload and service delivery practices, degree of inter-professional practice; engagement with professional development and support; and assessment and management of swallowing, mealtime and communication difficulties. All data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square to determine the independence of key variables.

RESULT

Data from 145 speech-language pathologists highlight the need for increased numbers of clinicians working outside of metropolitan areas and greater workforce diversity, along with increased incentive, supervision and inter-professional support for new graduate and early career clinicians considering working outside of hospital settings. To ensure evidence-based practice, further research into the validity of current assessment and intervention methods used across aged care settings is needed.

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight the need for an extended scope of practice and improved models of support for speech-language pathologists working with older people to better respond to the needs of an ageing population and on-going aged care sector reform.