Sensory awareness Flashcards
List some common conditions in the elderly that affect vision
Age related macular degeneration Glaucoma Catarct Vision loss related to stroke Retinitis pigmentosa Diabetic retinopathy
What are the requirements to be classified as significant sight impaired?
Visual acuity of less than 3/60 with full visual field
Visual acuity of 6/60 or more with very reduced field
What are the requirements to be classified as sight impaired?
3/60 - 6/60 with full visual field
6/18 or better if there is gross field defect e.g. bitemporal hemianopia
Min 75% sight loss
How can you recognise someone who is blind or visually impaired?
Hesitant when entering rooms Holding on to someone Feeling their way Difficulty focusing on things e.g. eye contact Bumping into things Looking really closely at things Cane, dog, cane, dark glasses
Describe the impact of sight loss
Loss of confidence Social isolation Mobility is affected Accessing transport difficult Reading and writing - GP letters, braille Communication - miss out on nonverbal cues etc Daily tasks become more difficult Sense of loss or grief Mental health problems are common
List some barriers accessing health services to those with sight loss and how these can be targeted
Reading appointment letters - larger font
Getting to appointments
Getting around clinics/hospitals
Being called to appointments - info on notes
Confidentiality
Taking medication correctly - how it looks/feels, braille
Accessing health related information - RNIB leaflets
Describe the difference between the deaf, deafened and hard of hearing
Deaf - profoundly deaf before learning speech, BSL
Deafened - profoundly or severely deaf after learning speech, lipreading or speech
Hard of hearing - mild to severe hearing loss often associated with age, lipreading and hearing aids
How can you recognise someone who is deaf or hard of hearing?
Ask you to repeat yourself Lean in as you talk Misunderstanding or replying inappropriately Complaining that you are mumbling Turning up volume on tv Looking at lips rather than eyes (lipreading) Not replying when you are behind them Zoning out/appear disinterested Can see a hearing aid etc Use sign language Have a hearing dog
Describe the impact of hearing loss
Loss of confidence Social isolation Effect on relationships and jobs Sensitivity to noise Difficulties following conversations Tiredness from concentrating during conversations Frustration Missing out on information
Who have white and red canes?
Deafblind
Describe the impact of deafblindess
Communicating with others is very difficult
Hard to go out independently
Accessing information
Carrying out day to day tasks
Other peoples awareness
Feel detached
Isolation, frustration, boredom, exhausted
What communication skills can be adopted with people of sensory deficit to aid in consultations?
Face deaf person with face lit Be fully concentrated on them - no notes etc Talk normally and clear - no shouting Remove any background noise Be straightforward and to the point Provide context Try rephrasing if don't understand Use gestures and facial expressions Write it down, text, use computer Never walk away Allow extra time Offer a hearing loop if they have a hearing aid Book a BSL interpreter if available or learn some
