ENGAGING CAREGIVERS, OLDER ADULTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION - The MOTIVATE AT HOME PILOT PROGRAM - Abstract citation

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by moss~

The MOTIVATE at Home (MAH) program delivers oral health education to caregivers, enabling them to provide and/or support oral health care for older adults living at home. The pilot combined statewide online and in-person sessions, learning stations at community-based organizations, and online “Ask the Dental Expert” sessions. Surveys from 121 learners and six qualitative interviews assessed reach and impact across ages 23–94. Results show broad learning usefulness, partner value, and the importance of brief engaging formats, staff-role integration, and gamification. Additional needs include specialty topics, links to health and mental health, and affordable dental access.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Program overview

Education model and delivery modes

Participants and survey/interview methods

Key findings and implications

Reported needs for future education

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 1315 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.4379 ENGAGING CAREGIVERS, OLDER ADULTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION: THE MOTIVATE AT HOME PILOT PROGRAM Jennifer Crittenden1, Denise O’Connell2, Tara Wilson2, and Labrini Nelligan2, 1. University of Maine Center on Aging, Orono, Maine, United States, 2. Massachusetts General Hospital, Bangor, Maine, United States The MOTIVATE at Home (MAH) program brings education to caregivers so they are empowered to provide and/or support oral health care for older adults living at home, a growing population that disproportionately faces oral health disparities and health risks. The MAH pilot included statewide online and in-person educational sessions, learning stations at community-based organizations, and online “Ask the Dental Expert”sessions. Surveys were collected from 121 learners across MAH offerings with six additional qualitative interviews conducted with partnering community-based host sites. The audience ranged in age from 23-94 years old (M =68 years) with 28% reporting a current caregiving role. The majority of participants (86%) learned something new that they could use to improve their own oral health and 83% of all participants, regardless of current self-reported care partner status, reported learning something new that they could use to improve the oral health of someone for who they provide care. Key findings demonstrate the value of a community-based accessible approach to education. Partners also reported that the MAH program was a valuable addition to their current offerings and collaborations. Findings also underscore the importance of using a brief and engaging format for online learning, integration of staff roles and support into in-person learning stations to encourage participation, and inclusion of “gamification”and “fun”to enhance learning. Participants identified additional ongoing education needs focused on specialty dental topics, the connection between health/mental health and oral health, along with an ongoing need for access to affordable dental care for older adults.

FAQs

What is the MOTIVATE at Home (MAH) program?

MAH is an education program that brings oral health education to caregivers so they can provide and/or support oral health care for older adults living at home.

How was the MAH pilot education delivered and evaluated?

It used statewide online and in-person sessions, learning stations at community-based organizations, and online “Ask the Dental Expert” sessions. Evaluation included surveys from 121 learners and six qualitative interviews with partner host sites.

What were the main findings about learning and program value?

Most participants reported learning something new they could use to improve their own oral health (86%). Similarly, regardless of their caregiving status, 83% reported learning something new to improve the oral health of someone they care for.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by moss~