The report warns that without help, older people with hearing and sight problems may be forced to give up their homes and move into residential care, where - Sense research shows - staff often lack the training to understand their needs.

 

To address the problem and to mark the start of Deafblind Awareness Week, Sense is launching a report called “I don’t hear or see so well these days…”, to set out the challenges and raise awareness of the support available. Sense is also promoting advice on helping an older relative or friend who can’t see and hear too well in the Enjoy Life! booklet, which has the support of television and radio personality Nicholas Parsons.

 

Currently there are 220,000 older people in the UK with combined sight and hearing loss, many of whom live at home. This number is predicted to double over the next 20 years, rising to 418,000 over the age of 70 by 2030. 

 

According to the findings of joint research by the University of Birmingham and Sense, older people with both sight and hearing loss are often unaware that specialist support exists, while few staff in care homes have the training to understand their needs.

 

Across eight care homes which took part in the research, not one of the older people interviewed (out of 88) reported that they had dual sensory loss and only spoke about sight and hearing problems separately. However, more than a third (35 per cent) were found to have unidentified combined hearing and sight loss. 

 

Worryingly, additional findings revealed that staff were not aware of the duties of the local authority to offer a specialist assessment, which can help identify support and equipment which would make a difference to people’s lives. Staff also had very little training in hearing and sight loss and most said they did not have the time to stop and engage with residents. 

 

Sense Deputy Chief Executive, Richard Kramer, said: 

 

“Many hearing and sight problems develop gradually as people age, so there is a common view that this is a normal, inevitable part of life and that nothing can be done about it. We fear because of this many people are missing out on vital help and support, often leading to loneliness and isolation.

 

“There is support and services available to help older people and their families deal with sight and hearing difficulties and make informed choices about how they wish to live. Local authorities have a duty of care towards older people with both sight and hearing difficulties and should invest in services that can guide older people to live independently and enjoy life rather than leaving them isolated in their own homes.    

 

“Enjoy Life! aims to raise awareness of not only the problems people may face, but provide practical advice to enable older people to live their lives to the full. Indeed, the use of simple strategies, such as loop systems, coloured plates, large print books and playing cards can make a big difference to people’s lives.”

 

Sense has also produced guidance on different ways of communicating and new ways of accessing information, help with getting around and maintaining home independence, as well as advice on applying for financial support which can help people move on in their lives and adapt successfully to their new situation. Local authorities have a legal duty to offer a specialist assessment, which can help identify support and equipment which would make a difference to people’s lives. 

 

Nicholas Parsons, the TV and radio presenter, who supports Sense’s “Enjoy Life!” booklet, said: 

 

“Not being able to see or hear well in later life can be a real challenge. Getting out of the house, taking part in favourite leisure activities, keeping in touch with friends and family are all made more difficult by sensory loss.

 

“There are many ways to stay active and often people are not aware of them. Sense aims to raise awareness of the support that is available to make sure older people with hearing and sight loss are able to live full and active lives.”

 

If you, a member of your family or someone in your care can’t see and hear very well and you’d like advice and information about the support and services available, call Sense on 0845 127 0066 or 020 7520 0972, 0845 127 0066 or 020 7520 0972, or email: info@sense.org.uk

 

Anna Tsirmpa 0207 520 0965

Out-of-hours     07770 580 843

 

Notes to editors: 

 

 

There are also various Sense forums and groups across the UK, which people who have lost their sight and hearing later in life can join and get practical tips about technology and equipment, the chance to meet people with similar experiences and exchange useful information and ideas. 

 

Older people with impaired sight and hearing will almost certainly qualify for Disability Living Allowance, or Personal Independence Payment (for people up to 65), or Attendance Allowance (for people over 65) - read our information on benefits. Other benefits such as council tax concessions and housing benefit may also be available.