„Es ist, wie in einer Kapsel zu sein.“ Wie Personen über 70 Jahren eine Hör- und Sehbeeinträchtigung erkennen und reflektieren - Teilergebnisse aus dem Stufenmodell KoRes

Abstract

IntroductionCombined hearing and vision impairment, which can negatively affect the performance of activities of daily living, is particularly prevalent in those over 70 years of age. Existing studies show that this dual sensory impairment has implications for safety in the home environment. Insights into how individuals integrate hearing and vision changes into their daily lives are needed for planning care-related interventions. MethodsA qualitative method was used supplemented with quantitative methods (“Concurrent Embedded Strategy”). Based on the grounded theory approach, we conducted guided interviews with hearing- and vision-impaired individuals aged 70 years and over (n=46) as well as a questionnaire survey on how they cope with their daily lives. ResultsAs part of their processing, individuals with hearing and visual impairments go through three stages that are closely linked to “being able to communicate.” A partial result of the KoRes model is presented. This article focuses on the first two stages of this model: “diagnosis” and “reflection”. ConclusionPeople with dual sensory impairment behave reactively on the first two of a total of three stages with regard to the processing of their impairments. They need a supportive environment to be able to clarify these changes in hearing and vision and come to grips with the underlying causes.