As you age, the likelihood of encountering challenges with hearing, vision, or oral health tends you age, the likelihood of encountering challenges with hearing, vision, or oral health tends to rise. Once effortless tasks, like reading road signs while driving or engaging in conversations in crowded places, may become more difficult.
If you are caring for someone who is facing issues with their hearing, vision, or oral health, there are services available to assist. For further information, please visit:
- Tips for caring for someone with poor hearing
- Tips for caring for someone with vision loss
- Tips for caring for someone with oral health problems
Tips for caring for someone with poor hearing
As individuals age, it is common for some degree of hearing loss to occur. However, individuals over the age of 55 are more susceptible to experiencing hearing difficulties. For those over the age of 65, it is recommended that they undergo a hearing test annually. Consulting with their doctor about scheduling a test is advised.
When caring for someone with hearing impairment, it is crucial to follow these guidelines:
- Ensure you have their attention and position yourself in front of them when speaking
- Maintain eye contact while speaking.
- Speak slowly and clearly, avoiding exaggerated lip movements that may hinder lip-reading.
- Refrain from shouting, although speaking louder may be necessary at times.
- Avoid shouting as it can impede lip-reading.
- Utilize body language and facial expressions to provide additional context.
- Write messages when necessary for communication.
- Be mindful that facial hair, chewing, and obstructing your face with your hands can hinder communication.
- Avoid conversing in noisy environments or minimize background noise when possible.
- Directly address the individual with hearing loss rather than the interpreter if one is present.
- Ensure hearing aids are functioning properly, used correctly, and regularly checked.
- Install visual smoke detectors in the home.
- Explore other visual alerts like alarm clocks and front door alerts.
- Implement assistive listening devices such as volume-controlled phones for emergency communication.
By following these recommendations, you can effectively communicate and provide support for individuals with hearing loss.
What types of services are available?
If someone you are caring for is experiencing hearing difficulties, the first step is to consult a doctor. The doctor may then refer them to a specialist, such as an audiologist or audiometrist, for further evaluation and treatment.
In addition, they may be eligible to receive subsidized hearing services through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. For more information, you can visit the Hearing Services Program website.
The National Sign Language Program (NSLP) offers free sign language interpreting and captioning services through Deaf Connect. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals over the age of 65, as they can utilize the NSLP to access aged care services and participate in various professional and social activities.
Starting from July 1, 2024, the program will also provide free sign language interpreting and captioning services for health and medical appointments that are eligible for a Medicare rebate.
Tips for caring for someone with vision loss
As individuals age past 40, the likelihood of developing eye diseases and experiencing vision impairments significantly rises. Vision problems can lead to depression and increase the chances of falls and hip fractures.
When providing care for someone with vision issues, it is crucial to follow these guidelines:
- Introduce yourself upon arrival
- Speak in a clear, natural tone
- Inform the individual of your movements within the room
- Clearly describe the placement of food on their plate using a clock face analogy
- Notify them of the temperature of food and drinks before serving
- Maintain the organization of their living space and communicate any changes made
- Exercise caution during cleaning activities to prevent tripping hazards
- Ensure doors are either fully open or closed to avoid accidents
- Walk slowly and allow the individual to hold onto your arm when guiding them, while also identifying and removing obstacles in their path.
By adhering to these practices, you can effectively assist individuals with vision impairments in maintaining their safety and well-being.
What types of services are available?
Regular eye tests are essential for early detection of potential problems, increasing the likelihood of receiving timely and effective treatment and support. Eye testing conducted by an optometrist is covered by Medicare, making it accessible to all Australians. For more information on services subsidised by the Government, visit the Medicare Benefits Schedule website.
Additionally, individuals over the age of 60 can find valuable eye health tips on the Australian Government’s healthdirect website. Stay informed and proactive about your eye health to maintain optimal vision and overall well-being.
Tips for caring for someone with oral health problems
Maintaining optimal oral health can pose challenges as individuals age. It is crucial to ensure that older adults continue to prioritize their oral hygiene. To assist them in this endeavor, consider the following recommendations:
- Encourage regular dental check-ups as advised by their dentist to monitor for dental issues and potential oral diseases.
- Advise them to disclose any underlying health conditions and medications to their dentist, as these factors can impact their oral health and treatment.
- Emphasize the importance of brushing teeth twice daily, particularly after meals, and incorporating dental floss to eliminate plaque buildup that can lead to gum disease.
- Suggest the use of fluoride or sensitive toothpaste for added protection.
- Promote a well-balanced diet while limiting consumption of sugary foods and beverages between meals.
- Stress the significance of proper oral hygiene for both natural teeth and dentures, including regular cleanings and check-ups by a dental professional.
By following these guidelines, older individuals can maintain good oral health and overall well-being.
Maintaining a high standard of oral health can become increasingly difficult as you grow older. When caring for an older person, it’s important to make sure they continue to look after their oral health.
Help them do this by making sure they:
- visit the dentist as recommended for their dental condition and age to check for dental disease and more serious diseases of the mouth
- tell the dentist about any general health problems and medications they are taking as this may affect their dental health and treatment
- brush their teeth twice a day, especially after meals, and use dental floss to remove plaque which causes gum disease
- use a fluoride or sensitive toothpaste
- eat a healthy, balanced diet and avoid sweet foods and drinks between meals
- clean their mouth and/or dentures well each day and have both checked regularly by the dentist.