The index of ADOH: concept of measuring oral self-care functioning in the elderly

Measures of ability, or function, are used in the health field to determine the level of performance of a specific task, assess the loss of function, and to measure the return to function as a result of rehabilitation or interventions. While these measures are important to all age groups, it is the elderly and chronically ill who are at most risk for adverse changes in their health and functional status. The Index of the Activities of Daily Oral Hygiene (ADOH) is an instrument to assess and monitor functional dependency in manipulating aids used in oral self-care. It is part of the overall concept of oral self-care which subsumes function, education and training, and compliance in achieving and maintaining oral health. The purpose of the Index of ADOH is two-fold: to assess a subject for the progressive loss of the physical ability to manipulate the aids used in oral self-care, and to measure the return to function in response to care intervention and rehabilitative services. These manipulative tasks are associated with flossing, brushing, topical fluoride application, and the use of oral rinses. Aside from changes in function, the Index of ADOH can be used by health care providers and administrators to project the need for services or support for home care.