Support for elderly deaf people at home
Support for elderly deaf people or those who are hard of hearing, from dedicated, experienced Care Professionals who can assist with practical tasks, ensure safety, and offer emotional support.
Why do older deaf people need support?
Hearing loss is thought to be the second most common disability in the UK, and the population of older deaf people is growing; by 2035, the number of Deaf British Sign Language users over age 65 is expected to reach between 11,500 and 26,680.
Many people with hearing loss can manage alone with the help of home adaptations and technology. However, for those who have lost their hearing later in life, adapting to environmental and lifestyle changes can be challenging, so having the proper care in place is key. Support might include:
- Sign language interpretation
- Creating visual alerts for important things
- Maintaining technology to aid communication
- Helping attend appointments and events
Providing companionship and emotional support to avoid isolation
Why is support at home helpful for deaf elderly people?
People with hearing loss can face daily communication barriers, so having dedicated support from an experienced caregiver helps them to maintain clear communication, stay safe, and access facilities and information without issue.
Older adults may run into further struggles due to additional age-related concerns like mobility issues, sight loss or cognitive decline. Plus, deafness can lead to mental health issues and emotional distress, with 47% of deaf people reporting they feel excluded from conversations, and 33% feeling lonely or isolated. For this reason, it can be extremely helpful for them to have a caregiver who understands their communication needs and can provide personalised support.
Do I need support?
It can be difficult to know whether you could benefit from support, so it helps to reflect on how you or your loved one manages daily activities and decide if enlisting the help of an experienced caregiver could relieve stress and make daily life easier.
Those who struggle with hearing often experience difficulties in conversation, with 50% of deaf people reporting that people are impatient with them. Having a dedicated caregiver means there is always someone to help when you encounter difficult situations during errands, appointments or social activities, to effectively communicate when managing other health needs, to maintain any home adaptations or assistive devices, and to ensure safety at all times.
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
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I am very happy with the support, care and kindness I receive from all the staff of Home Instead.B.M, Client
Home Instead have been looking after my father for a few years now, without them we would not be able to manage having him living in his own home. They are always bright and cheerful and Dad enjoys seeing them.Bridget, Clients Family
From day one Home Instead has given us a first-class professional caring service. Office staff and carers very helpful and understanding.Paul and Sandra, Clients
How to get started arranging support for a deaf person
If you have recently lost or suffered a significant decline in your hearing, you may have been offered support options and resources from your GP or local council to help you adapt to your situation. However, if you feel you need additional help, or you have since developed a health condition that is trickier to manage with hearing loss, our Care Professionals offer a holistic care service that can be tailored to your individual needs.
Our flexible, experienced Care Professionals can provide practical support and companionship through either visiting care or live-in care. We can also provide care for additional health issues like mobility problems, continence issues, dementia and more. Whatever combination of services you need, we can help.
Why Home Instead?
Our Care Professionals are always carefully chosen to ensure they are the best fit for each client, based on their personality, interests and more. Whether you have lost your hearing recently and need home adaptations to manage, worry about your safety when out and about and would prefer assistance, or you use British Sign Language (BSL) and would like to arrange companionship with someone who can communicate in this way, we can help.
We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations also rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), so if you are looking for a reputable and experienced care provider for yourself or a loved one with hearing issues, we can help.
FAQs
How can professional home care services support elderly deaf or hard of hearing individuals in their daily lives?
Our Care Professionals supporting deaf and hard of hearing elderly people will be trained to communicate effectively with elderly individuals who are deaf, using methods such as British Sign Language (BSL), written communication, or technology where appropriate. They provide assistance with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and running errands, ensuring the individual’s needs are met while respecting their independence. They can also facilitate clear communication during appointments or with visitors.
What measures can professional carers take to ensure a safe environment for deaf elderly people at home?
Our Care Professionals follow the advice of safety assessments tailored to the specific needs of deaf individuals. They can assist with devices like visual doorbells, vibrating alarm clocks, and smoke detectors with lights to ensure awareness of sounds. The are also trained to help clients at home in a way that minimises risks and promotes easy navigation, ensuring their clients’ safety and comfort.
How do home care services address the emotional well-being of elderly deaf people?
Our Care Professionals provide companionship and emotional support, which is particularly important for preventing feelings of isolation that some elderly deaf individuals may experience. They encourage participation in social activities, hobbies, or groups that align with the individual’s interests. This focus on engagement fosters a sense of connection and emotional health.
Can home care services assist with communication challenges faced by deaf individuals?
Yes, our Care Professionals can bridge communication gaps by acting as facilitators in conversations, whether with loved ones, neighbours, or healthcare providers. Some may use visual aids, technology, or sign language to ensure smooth communication. They can also recommend and support the use of devices or applications that aid interaction.
How can home care services help family carers support their deaf loved ones?
Home care services like Home Instead not only provide direct assistance to deaf individuals but also support family carers through respite care. This gives families the opportunity to rest or manage other responsibilities, knowing their loved one is in capable hands. Care Professionals can also provide guidance on tools, communication methods, and strategies to make caregiving easier and more effective for family members.