Barton House Joins the Care to Smile Initiative to Support Resident Wellbeing
Barton House Care Home in Cannock has joined the Care to Smile initiative, reinforcing the home’s commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care that supports every aspect of residents’ wellbeing, including oral health.
The Care to Smile programme is an evidence-based oral health initiative designed to help care homes improve mouth care practices for residents through specialist training, practical resources and ongoing professional support. Delivered by the Healthy Smile Team at Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust in partnership with Staffordshire County Council, the programme is aligned with NICE guidance for improving oral health in care homes.
At Barton House, participating in the initiative reflects the home’s wider focus on dignity, wellbeing and personalised care for residents living with complex dementia, mental health conditions and nursing needs.
Why Oral Health Matters in a Care Home
Good oral health plays an important role in overall wellbeing and quality of life, particularly for older adults and individuals living with complex health conditions. Research shows poor oral health can impact nutrition, comfort, communication and confidence while also increasing the risk of wider health complications such as infections and aspiration pneumonia.
For residents living in care homes, daily mouth care can sometimes become more challenging due to cognitive impairment, physical health conditions or reduced independence. The Care to Smile programme helps equip care teams with the knowledge and practical skills needed to support safe, effective and dignified oral care as part of everyday support.
At Barton House Care Home, oral health is viewed as an important part of holistic care and resident wellbeing rather than a separate clinical task.
What Is the Care to Smile Programme?
Care to Smile is a free oral health improvement programme supporting care homes across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. The initiative provides specialist training for designated mouth care leads alongside practical toolkits, guidance and ongoing support to help improve oral hygiene practices within care settings.
The programme focuses on helping care providers:
- Improve daily mouth care routines
- Strengthen oral health assessments and care planning
- Support residents with dignity and comfort during oral care
- Increase staff confidence and awareness around oral hygiene
- Promote better overall wellbeing for residents
Care homes that successfully complete the programme can also work towards achieving the Care to Smile Award, recognising their commitment to improving oral health standards and resident wellbeing.
Supporting Person-Centred Care at Barton House
At Barton House, care is always shaped around the individual needs and wellbeing of each resident. Joining the Care to Smile initiative forms part of the home’s ongoing commitment to continuous learning, staff development and delivering compassionate, high-quality care across every aspect of daily life.
Through additional training and improved awareness around oral health, the team is further strengthening how residents are supported with comfort, dignity and personalised care routines.
This approach is particularly important for individuals living with dementia or complex mental health needs, where familiar routines, reassurance and sensitive support can play an important role in maintaining both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Investing in Staff Development and Resident Wellbeing
The Care to Smile initiative also highlights the importance of ongoing training and workforce development within specialist care settings. The programme encourages care homes to nominate mouth care champions who help embed best practice throughout the home and support colleagues with daily oral health routines.
At Barton House Care Home, continuous professional development helps ensure residents continue receiving safe, responsive and person-centred support tailored to their individual needs.
By participating in initiatives such as Care to Smile, the home continues to strengthen its holistic approach to wellbeing while promoting positive outcomes and quality of life for residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Care to Smile initiative?
Care to Smile is an oral health improvement programme designed to help care homes improve mouth care practices through training, resources and ongoing support.
Why is oral health important in care homes?
Good oral health supports comfort, nutrition, communication and overall wellbeing while helping reduce the risk of wider health complications.
How does Care to Smile support residents?
The programme helps care staff improve oral hygiene support, mouth care planning and resident comfort through evidence-based training and guidance.
Who delivers the Care to Smile programme?
The initiative is delivered by the Healthy Smile Team at Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust in partnership with Staffordshire County Council.
Looking for Specialist Care in Cannock?
At Barton House Care Home, we are committed to supporting every aspect of resident wellbeing through compassionate, person-centred dementia, mental health and nursing care. Speak to our friendly team today to learn more about life at Barton House.