Perspectives on Future Assisted Oral Care Among Community‐Dwelling Older Adults Receiving Municipal Home Care: A Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVE: To explore community-dwelling older adults' expectations and perceptions of future needs and requests concerning assisted oral care from healthcare professionals in event of greater need for care. BACKGROUND: Older adults with care needs often require support with oral care from care professionals, yet cognitive impairments may hinder their ability to express needs and preferences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative study with an inductive approach and purposive sample was conducted. Eighteen community-dwelling older adults (≥ 65 years) receiving municipal home healthcare or home help services in southwest Sweden were interviewed individually. Information on oral health, oral care and anticipated future need for assisted oral care was gathered. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Ethical approval was obtained, and the study adhered to the COREQ checklist. RESULTS: The analysis generated an overall theme: 'Tensions between thoughts, envisioned standards and anticipated practicalities in future assisted oral care' and three subthemes 'Oral self-care is the last stronghold of independence, with staff support considered under specific conditions', 'Sensitive dialogue enables access to assisted oral care' and 'Tough but necessary to accept assisted oral care'. CONCLUSION: There are tensions in community-dwelling older adults' expectations of assisted oral care. A desire for independence and delayed assistance contrasts with the need for early communication before health decline impairs decision-making to ensure autonomy and person-centred care.