Sensory Impairment, Use of Community Support Services, and Quality of Life in Aged Care Clients

Abstract

To assess influences from visual or hearing impairment on use of community support services and health-related quality of life in aged care clients. The authors sampled 284 frail elderly individuals presenting for assessment in Sydney, Australia. Moderate to severe visual impairment was defined as visual acuity <20/80 (better eye), and moderate to severe hearing loss as hearing thresholds >40 decibels (better ear). Community support services included home-delivered meals, home help, and community nurse visits. After adjusting for age, sex, and two or more comorbid conditions, moderate to severe visual impairment, but not moderate to severe hearing loss, was significantly associated with increased use of community services (adjusted odds ratio 2.8, 95% confidence interval = 1.0-7.8). Moderate to severe visual impairment was associated with an increased likelihood of community service utilization in this aged care client sample.