Perceived barriers to oral health care among the homebound

Questionnaires and oral examinations were completed on 50 clients of a social service agency which provides home-based services to functionally dependent elderly. Nearly 61% of all respondents classified their oral health as frail/poor, and 82% reported a perceived need for some oral health care. When asked if they considered themselves homebound, 60% reported being homebound from 1-10 years (mean = 4.7 years). Two or more home services were received by 80% of the homebound group compared with just 45% of the not-homebound group. Paying for dental care, transportation difficulties, and poor health were the most frequently identified barriers that limited access to oral health care.