RESIDENTS at an Andover care home and their families were educated on the importance of good oral hygiene as a sepsis prevention measure during Sepsis Awareness Month this September.

Ashbourne Court Care Home, in Salisbury Road, had a ‘TEAth party’ as part of a month-long initiative throughout Four Seasons' care homes aiming to encourage people to learn more about the symptoms of sepsis and ways to help prevent the life-threatening condition.

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More than two-thirds of all sepsis cases are diagnosed in people over 60 and oral care is one of the topics that team members at the home have been focusing on in their sepsis awareness training. 

After enjoying a pink-themed tea party, guests were given new toothbrushes and shown the best way to clean their teeth and adopt a good oral hygiene routine. Discussions and quizzes took place to reinforce the message.

Head of care quality at Four Seasons Health Care, Janine Graham, said: “The average age of people with sepsis who are admitted to hospital is 70, so making those who live, work and visit our care homes aware of the best way to prevent sepsis and to be able to spot the key symptoms can help reduce risk and keep our residents safe.”