GRANT00047

Support to St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care to provide community-based health and educational services for children and frail adults and to serve as a resource for caregivers. The Smiles for Sr. Lucille Program is an oral hygiene prevention, education and awareness program run at St. Ann Center by Laura Cherek-Laabs R.D.H. Smiles for Sr. Lucille focuses on providing oral hygiene and care for an adult and frail elderly population, many of whom are living with severe disabilities, Alzheimer's, and dementia. Funds will be used to purchase of a Porto-Dent II Mobile Evacuation Unit manufactured by Steri-Dent. The requested funding for a portable suction machine will address the needs of the tube-fed clients at St. Ann. Due to their inability to swallow or expectorate, it is impossible for the "Smiles" program to safely provide oral health care without this equipment. Proper oral screening and application of preventive care will allow the staff to maintain comfort, oral and general health, and to identify needs of the clients and refer them to a dentist.