What can you do to support those with sensory loss issues?
Communication
- Make sure you have the person’s attention before trying to communicate with them.
- Gently touching the top of the person’s arm is a common way of attracting their attention without startling them.
- Identify yourself clearly.
- Check that you are in the best position to communicate.
Where can additional advice and support be sourced in relation to sensory loss?
Sense is the leading national charity that supports and campaigns for children, adults and older people who are deafblind or have sensory impairments. We provide expert advice and information as well as specialist services to deafblind people, their families, carers and the professionals who work with them.
What are some practical ways you can support a person whose sensory system is Ageing?
Keep in mind that facial hair, eating or chewing, and having your hands in front of your face will make it more difficult for the person to understand. Reduce additional environmental noise. Ensure that hearing aids are functional and checked regularly. Reduce other distractions that may be present in the room.
How do you raise awareness of sensory loss?
Opportunities to promote sensory awareness Person-centred, e.g. involving individuals in communication methods. Medical and social model. Use different communication methods, e.g. notice boards, leaflets, presentations, different ways of communicating with individual and their families. Technology.
What can be done to prevent sensory dysfunction vision and hearing losses with aging?
Hearing aids. Assistive devices, such as telephone amplifiers or technology that changes spoken words to text. Training to use visual cues to figure out what is being said (speech reading) Methods to prevent too much wax in the outer ear.
What are sensory additional needs?
Sensory needs, which can be hearing loss and/or visual impairment or sensory processing difficulties and physical difficulties, can occur for a variety of reasons, e.g. congenital conditions (some progressive), injury or disease.
How do you prevent sensory loss?
Sensory Loss: Sight
- Get regular exercise to help maintain blood flow to the eyes.
- Get regular, plentiful sleep to help keep eyes lubricated.
- Treat dry eye with an eye lubricant. ( See your eye doctor for the best options for your situation.)
- Use a night light to brighten hallways or bathrooms.
How can you Recognise and accommodate sensory impairments during all communications?
Turn your face towards the person and ensure your face is well-lit so your lip movements can be easily seen. Don’t shout or over-exaggerate words or lip movements. This can actually make it harder for the person to understand you. Speak clearly and slightly slower, but keep the natural rhythms of your speech.
Where can you find additional advice and information about communication?
Information and support on particular communications needs can be found from specialist charities and associations, especially those specialising in particular disabilities or medical conditions. Websites can provide material on forums, services or groups in the local area that you could attend or use to find out more.
What are sensory needs in aged care?
Sensory therapy involves carers activating one or more of a person’s senses, whether it be taste, smell, sight, sound or touch. It has been shown to improve the emotional and physical wellbeing of people living with dementia.