How Slate Helps Dementia Caregivers

This Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, we want to shine some light on the people behind the scenes: caregivers. Whether it’s Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, the amount of care required by family members for their loved ones is astounding!

 

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “Eighty-three percent of the help provided to older adults in the United States comes from family members, friends or other unpaid caregivers. Nearly half of all caregivers who provide help to older adults do so for someone living with Alzheimer's or another dementia.”

So, why does that matter exactly? Well, the vast majority of care given to individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia is coming from ordinary people like you and me. They’re not professionals. They’re just family members trying their best. Did you know that:

• About 30% of caregivers are age 65 or older.
• Approximately two-thirds of caregivers are women; more specifically, over one-third of dementia caregivers are daughters.
• Most caregivers (66%) live with the person with dementia in the community.
• Approximately one-quarter of dementia caregivers are "sandwich generation" caregivers — meaning that they care not only for an aging parent but also for at least one child.

The experience of caregiving is diverse and often draining. “Compared with caregivers of people without dementia, twice as many caregivers of those with dementia indicate substantial emotional, financial, and physical difficulties.” In the wake of so much responsibility, it’s understandable that oral health is an often overlooked aspect of overall well-being for dementia patients. Caregivers simply have too much on their plate. 

Make Flossing Easier

That’s where the Slate Flosser comes into play! Oral care for individuals with dementia can sometimes be lost amongst the various aspects of daily care. But that doesn’t mean it’s not still critical to their health! Untreated dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, or infections, can cause considerable pain and discomfort for individuals of any age. For someone with dementia, expressing or even recognizing oral pain can be difficult, leading to behavioral changes, reduced appetite, or withdrawal from social activities. Flossing is a simple step toward preventing further health challenges for your loved one with dementia.

The ergonomic handle of the Slate Flosser is a game-changing feature if you’re helping someone else floss their teeth. No more struggling with string floss or tiny floss picks! The Slate handle allows you, as a caregiver, to quickly and easily access all the teeth in the mouth, especially the hard-to-reach molars. Not only is it faster and easier than traditional floss, but the Slate handle also makes flossing cleaner by minimizing contact between your hands and your loved one’s mouth. The design of the Slate floss heads, particularly their gum sweeps, ensures the best clean possible without laborsome techniques. As a caregiver, you can feel confident that you’re efficiently cleaning along your loved one’s gumline as well as between their teeth. At Slate, we understand how daunting flossing can feel, but proper dental care throughout one’s life, including in old age has a significant impact on overall health.

Supporting Nutrition and Health

This may sound rather simple, but as age causes the gradual decline of one’s teeth, access to nutrition becomes intertwined with oral care. Dental issues can discourage eating, which may result in malnutrition, a common concern among individuals with dementia. A healthy mouth also reduces the risk of infections, which can exacerbate existing health problems.

Minimizing the Risk of Systemic Diseases

Poor oral hygiene, particularly a lack of flossing, has been linked to systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. These risks are heightened for people with dementia, who may already have compromised immune systems or other chronic health issues. As caregivers work to minimize the risks their loved ones face, flossing cements itself as an important prevention method for other diseases. 

Enhancing Communication and Quality of Life

A healthy smile contributes to better communication and social interaction, which are vital for the emotional well-being of both caregivers and patients. Dental problems can lead to self-consciousness or difficulty speaking, further isolating individuals with dementia. Though dementia causes an inevitable cognitive decline in those we love, we want to be able to interact and speak with them for as long as possible. Appropriate oral hygiene can lengthen the amount of time that we have with them feeling like themselves. 

Practical Tips for Caregivers

Caring for the oral health of someone with dementia requires patience and consistency. Here are a few tips:

1. Establish a Routine: Help them brush twice a day if possible and use fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
2. Set Attainable Goals: Does flossing every day feel impossible? Try flossing the upper arch one day and the lower arch the next. Anything is better than nothing.
3. Make It Comfortable: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or adaptive dental tools. Invest in a Slate Flosser so you don’t have to contort your hands into their mouth. Click here to buy one now!
4. Schedule Regular Checkups: Professional cleanings and checkups can catch issues early. We know it’s a lot of work but it can save you so much time and money later.
5. Be Observant: Watch for signs of discomfort, bad breath, or changes in eating habits that may indicate a problem.

We know this is an incredibly difficult season of life and you don't want to add anything else to your plate. But by prioritizing oral care, you, as a caregiver, can play a key role in improving the overall health and quality of life for individuals with dementia. A healthy mouth isn’t just about teeth—it’s about maintaining dignity, comfort, and well-being throughout the dementia journey.