This is the last in a series of three articles which have examined oral care practices for older people. The first article (Vol 9(17): 1124-7) highlighted the importance of effective oral care. The second article (Vol 9(18): 2033-40) examined oral care interventions in detail to identify oral care that is evidence based. This article looks at the factors which have an impact on oral health, and which must be considered when assessing a patient's oral health status. The correlation between holistic assessment and careful documentation is examined, together with its associated relationship with maintaining effective oral care. The article also critiques a collection of published oral assessment tools to identify whether they would be appropriate for rehabilitation client groups. After identifying the lack of a suitable oral assessment tool within the literature, the need to develop an appropriate one is addressed. An oral assessment and intervention tool which has been developed in the author's clinical area is outlined.

This is the second of a series of three articles relating to oral care for older people. The first article highlighted the importance of effective oral care for older people (Vol 9(17): 1124-7). This article critically analyses a number of oral care agents and interventions to identify evidence-based practice relating to oral care for older people. Recommendations for practice are highlighted to guide practitioners in implementing safe and effective nursing interventions within oral care. The third article will critique a number of published oral assessment tools and describe an oral assessment and intervention tool that has been developed.

The role of ward sister is changing and increasingly veering towards a middle management role. This article discusses the qualities and skills needed by a ward sister if she is to maintain her traditional role as clinical expert while also fulfilling her new role as ward manager.