SCIE media releases 2007

Greater awareness of ‘deafblind’ impairment can prevent problems for older people

21 November 2007

More awareness of how to identify and support dual sensory impairment could help older people live independently for longer, according to a new research briefing from the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE).

The briefing brings together all the available research and evidence about older people with dual sensory impairment. It looks at how a lack of identification and support could adversely affect an older person with sensory problems; making them more likely to feel both isolated and vulnerable. It includes details of relevant policy and the implications of the research for organisations, the policy community, practitioners, people who use services and carers.

The briefing was launched at the event Older People and Dual Sensory Loss: Linking the thinking, run by Sense and Help the Aged.

Speaking about dual sensory impairment in older people, Chief Executive of SCIE, Julie Jones, said:

“As life expectancy and the number of older people rises, so too does the number of people affected by sensory loss. A major issue for us is that reduction in sight or hearing is often seen as a ‘normal’ feature of getting older, rather than a potentially disabling impairment that can reduce a person’s opportunity to remain independent and in their own home."

“Early identification of sensory loss is vital to minimise the isolation often felt by older people. As part of their role in promoting independence, social care workers can encourage older people, carers, family members and other ‘non specialists’ to look out for the signs of dual sensory loss.”

• Click here to access Research briefing 21: Identification of deafblind dual sensory impairment in older people.

Media contact

Annie Goss | Communications Officer (Media) | T: 020 7089 7117 | M:  07739 458 192 Email: media@scie.org.uk

Notes

Related SCIE guidance

• Dignity in care
• Assessing the mental health needs of older people
• Practice guide NICE/SCIE: Dementia: supporting people with dementia and their carers in health and social care (NICE clinical guide 42)
• Outcomes-focused services for older people
• Helping older people to take prescribed medication in their own home
• Involving older people and their carers in after-hospital care decisions
• Aiding communication with people with dementia

About the briefing

• The briefing was researched and written by Keele University.
• SCIE research briefings provide a concise summary of the research knowledge in a particular topic and signpost routes to further information.