AGED CARE
Arco Brush for Aged Care | Adaptive Oral Care Support for Older Adults and Carers
A simpler approach to supporting daily oral care
Maintaining oral hygiene can become more challenging as people age.
Changes in strength, dexterity, mobility, coordination, fatigue, cognition, confidence or independence can make traditional toothbrushing more difficult.
Arco Brush is an adaptive oral-care solution designed to support a simpler daily brushing routine for older adults who experience barriers with traditional toothbrushes.
It may also support families, carers, home-care teams, aged-care providers and support workers looking for practical oral-care options.
Why oral care can become more challenging with age
Traditional toothbrushing requires a combination of physical and cognitive skills, including:
- Holding and controlling a toothbrush
- Applying brushing movements
- Reaching different areas of the mouth
- Maintaining brushing technique
- Following a consistent routine
- Remembering and completing daily tasks
For some older adults, changes related to ageing, disability or health conditions may affect their ability to complete oral care independently.
COMMON CHALLENGES
Conditions and challenges that may affect toothbrushing in older adults
Many different factors can make traditional brushing more difficult. These may include changes in movement, coordination, strength, cognition or independence.
Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease may affect fine motor control, hand tremors, grip strength, coordination and the ability to complete repeated movements. These changes may make holding and controlling a toothbrush more challenging.
Stroke recovery
Following a stroke, some people may experience weakness affecting one side of the body, reduced hand control, changes in coordination or reduced independence with personal-care activities.
Arthritis
Conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis may affect finger movement, joint comfort, grip strength and the ability to hold smaller objects.
Dementia and cognitive decline
Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, may affect remembering routines, understanding brushing steps, sequencing tasks and maintaining independence with personal care.
Multiple sclerosis and neurological conditions
Neurological conditions may contribute to fatigue, muscle weakness, reduced coordination and changes in fine motor skills.
Tremors and reduced hand control
Conditions involving tremors or reduced hand stability may affect controlled toothbrush movements, accuracy during brushing and consistent technique.
General age-related changes
Even without a specific diagnosis, ageing may be associated with changes in grip strength, dexterity, mobility, energy levels, balance and independence with daily tasks.
How Arco Brush may support older adults
Arco Brush is designed to provide a more structured brushing experience through:
- Automatic sonic brushing technology
- Flexible full-mouth mouthpiece design
- Mouthpiece designed to adapt to different mouth shapes
- 5 vibration modes
- Guided brushing cycle
- Built-in timer
- Replaceable mouthpiece system
WHO MAY ARCO BRUSH SUPPORT?
Who may Arco Brush support?
Older adults wanting a simpler brushing routine
Some older adults may find traditional toothbrushes more difficult due to changes in grip strength, dexterity, coordination, mobility or energy levels. Arco may provide an alternative option for individuals who want a more structured brushing approach.
Older adults receiving home-care support
For people receiving support at home, Arco may be incorporated into an assisted oral-care routine where appropriate. Support may include setting up the device, applying toothpaste, reminders, positioning, cleaning and storage.
Families and carers
Families and carers often play an important role in supporting oral hygiene and may explore Arco when someone needs help maintaining a regular brushing routine or completing personal-care tasks.
Residential aged-care support
Aged-care teams may consider Arco as part of exploring practical oral-care support options for residents who experience barriers with traditional toothbrushing.
Information for carers and families
Arco Brush may be useful to explore when someone requires support with maintaining a regular brushing routine, completing personal-care tasks, reducing reliance on complex brushing techniques or establishing a predictable oral-care routine.
A carer, family member or support worker may assist with preparing the device, applying toothpaste, supporting positioning, starting the brushing cycle, and cleaning and storing the device.
Aged-care facility and bulk order enquiries
Arco Brush may be suitable for aged-care organisations looking to explore practical oral-care solutions for residents who experience challenges with traditional brushing.
Arco works with aged-care providers, care teams and organisations seeking information about product options for supported oral-care routines.
For facilities interested in purchasing multiple units, Arco can discuss tailored purchasing options and pricing arrangements based on organisational requirements.
Bulk enquiries may include number of units required, facility requirements, resident support needs, care team considerations, ongoing replacement mouthpiece requirements, and product information and support resources.
My Aged Care and funding information
Arco Brush is not a My Aged Care approved product category and is not automatically funded through My Aged Care.
Funding and purchasing arrangements depend on the individual's circumstances, care arrangements, provider processes and available budgets.
Families, carers and care providers should consider their own requirements and seek advice from relevant professionals when needed.
Information for aged-care providers and care teams
Arco can provide information to support discussions with residential aged-care providers, home-care teams, allied health professionals, families and carers.
Available resources include:
- Product information
- Care and cleaning guidance
- Practitioner information
- Support resources for families and carers
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arco Brush suitable for elderly people?
Arco Brush may support some older adults who experience difficulty with traditional brushing due to changes in dexterity, mobility, strength, coordination or independence. Suitability depends on the individual person.
Can Arco Brush support people with Parkinson's disease or arthritis?
Some people with conditions that affect hand control, strength or coordination may experience challenges using a traditional toothbrush. Arco may be considered as one oral-care option depending on the individual's abilities, comfort and support needs.
Can a carer help someone use Arco Brush?
Yes, where appropriate. A carer, family member or support worker may assist with setup, positioning, cleaning or supervision depending on the person's needs.
Does Arco Brush replace dental care?
No. Arco Brush does not replace dental check-ups, dental treatment, professional dental advice or individual oral-hygiene recommendations. It is designed to support daily brushing routines alongside appropriate dental care.
How often should the mouthpiece be replaced?
We recommend replacing the Arco Brush mouthpiece approximately every 6 months, similar to replacing a traditional toothbrush head. Replacement timing may vary depending on use, cleaning and product condition.
Can aged-care providers purchase Arco Brush?
Yes. Aged-care providers, families and individuals can purchase Arco Brush where it is considered suitable for their needs. For facilities interested in larger orders, contact Arco to discuss organisational requirements and purchasing options.
Supporting dignity and independence through easier oral care
At Arco, we believe daily oral care should be practical, achievable and supported with clear information.
Our goal is to provide solutions that help individuals, families, carers and care teams explore easier ways to support oral-care routines.
EXPLORE ARCO
Related Arco information
Continue through the most useful Arco pages for product details, funding information, practitioner resources and support.
Important Information
Arco Brush is designed to support daily brushing routines. Individual experiences may vary.
Arco Brush does not diagnose, treat or prevent dental disease and does not replace dental care, clinical assessment or professional advice.