Abstract
ObjectivesDual sensory impairment (DSI) is a combination of vision and hearing impairments that represents a unique disability affecting all aspects of a person’s life. The rates of DSI are expected to increase due to population aging, yet little is known about DSI among older adults (65+). The prevalence of DSI and client characteristics were examined among two groups, namely, older adults receiving home care services or those residing in a long-term care (LTC) facility in four countries (Canada, US, Finland, Belgium).MethodsExisting data, using an interRAI assessment, were analyzed to compare older adults with DSI to all others across demographic characteristics, functional and psychosocial outcomes.ResultsIn home care, the prevalence of DSI across the four countries ranged from 13.4% to 24.6%; in LTC facilities, it ranged from 9.7% to 33.9%. Clients with DSI were more likely to be 85+, have moderate/severe cognitive impairment, impairments in activities of daily living, and have communication difficulties. Among residents of LTC facilities, individuals with DSI were more likely to be 85+ and more likely have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Having DSI increased the likelihood of depression in both care settings, but after adjusting for other factors, it remained significant only in the home care sample.ConclusionsWhile the prevalence of DSI cross nationally is similar to that of other illnesses such as diabetes, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease, we have a limited understanding of its affects among older adults. Raising awareness of this unique disability is imperative to insure that individuals receive the necessary rehabilitation and supportive services to improve their level of independence and quality of life.
Highlights
Dual sensory impairment (DSI), or deafblindness, is a combination of vision and hearing impairment that interferes with the person’s ability to acquire information and communicate with others.[1]
The prevalence of DSI across the four countries ranged from 13.4% to 24.6%; in long-term care (LTC) facilities, it ranged from 9.7% to 33.9%
While the prevalence of DSI cross nationally is similar to that of other illnesses such as diabetes, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease, we have a limited understanding of its affects among older adults
Summary
Dual sensory impairment (DSI), or deafblindness, is a combination of vision and hearing impairment that interferes with the person’s ability to acquire information and communicate with others.[1]. The widely used Nordic definition states that “deafblindness is a combined vision and hearing disability It limits activities of a person and restricts full participation in society to such a degree that society is required to facilitate specific services, environmental alterations and/or technology.”[2] The loss of functioning in one sense cannot be compensated for with the other sense, resulting in a distinct disability. Those with DSI, or deafblindness, can be broadly classified into two main groups based on when the sensory losses occurred: a) congenital (individuals who experience the onset of hearing and visual impairment before the age of two years, including onset at birth)[3]; and b) acquired (onset later in life). Among older persons with DSI, vision loss is often a result of presbyopia, decreased pupil size, cataracts and glaucoma, [7, 9] and causes of hearing loss include age-related changes in the inner ear and a reduction in blood flow and loss of neurons that result in a diminished capacity within the central auditory system.[7]
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