Identification of deafblind dual sensory impairment in older people

Short description:

This briefing focuses on issues relating to the identification of people over the age of 60 in the UK who have dual sensory loss in the form of a combined hearing and sight impairment (deafblind). It is intended to raise awareness among people in contact with the elderly who do not have technical knowledge of deafblindness.

Type of publication:

Good practises

Date of publication:

01/02/2007

Author(s):

Diane Roberts, Thomas Scharf, Miriam Bernard and Peter Crome

Publishing organization:

SCIE - Social Care Institute for Excellence

Language:

English

Long description:

Key messages

• Rising life expectancy and increasing numbers of older people in the population means a growing number of individuals are affected by dual sensory impairment.
• Raising general awareness of problems and potential solutions is essential to maximising individual quality of life and minimising social isolation.
• Dual sensory impairment in older people may be seen as 'normal’ and not identified as problematic or as a disability.
• Simple interventions, such as ensuring regular sight and hearing checks or holding conversations in well-lit areas, can be very effective in improving the quality of life of people with dual sensory impairment,
• Families, carers and other 'non-specialists’ can play a crucial role in early identification, hopefully leading to appropriate and timely interventions.

Copyright information:

import from Sensage project