If your elderly parents or other loved ones are now living in a nursing home, you may be facing a whole new set of care concerns. While many adult children with parents in nursing homes are happy that their parents are being cared for and part of a community that helps to prevent isolation, they may also be worried about the level of care provided in a larger setting like this. This is particularly true when it comes to the finer details such as hearing loss. The good news is that with awareness and the right strategies, you can ensure that your parent’s hearing health is managed well even when you’re not there.
The Numbers
Chances are if your parent is in a nursing home, they have hearing loss. According to the results of a cross-sectional survey, “it is estimated that 70% to 90% of elderly residents in long-term care facilities have some degree of hearing impairment. Despite this high prevalence, significant underuse of hearing aids or other assistive devices exists, especially among those with dementia.” These numbers, especially those pointing to the underuse of hearing aids, are concerning. When left untreated, hearing loss can lead to frustration and impaired communication and has been linked to depression, anxiety and dementia.
Management Of Hearing Loss In Nursing Homes
When a loved one is in a nursing home, where others are responsible for their day-to-day care, it becomes more important than ever to communicate with care workers about the management of your parent’s hearing loss. These tips and strategies can help ensure that they stay on track with their care:
Hearing care is an often overlooked part of nursing home care. Avoid frustration, communication difficulties and more serious concerns like depression by following these tips to ensure that hearing healthcare is part of your parent’s nursing home experience.
If you’d like more information about how to care for your parent’s hearing aids now that they are living in a nursing home, contact us. We can help guide you in ongoing care and how to manage your parent’s hearing loss.
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