- Make sure you have the person's attention before trying to communicate with them.
- Gently touching the top of the person's arm is a common way of attracting their attention without startling them.
- Identify yourself clearly.
- Check that you are in the best position to communicate.
How can you make information accessible to individuals with sensory loss?
- information in large print, braille or audio format.
- information via email (to enable use of assistive technology such as a ‘screen reader' which converts text to speech)
What are 3 strategies to improve communication with this patient who may have sensory loss?
Make sure you have face-to-face contact and their full attention. Talk to the person you're communicating with, not the interpreter. Speak clearly ; don't exaggerate your facial expressions and gestures. Don't cover your mouth.
What do you need to consider when supporting someone with loss of taste?
- Make a meal a social event. ...
- Look at the food temperature. ...
- Use extra or different spices and herbs. ...
- Try a new dish. ...
- Savor the meal.
What does sensory loss mean?
‘Sensory impairment' or ‘sensory loss' are umbrella terms used to describe loss of the distance senses i.e. of sight and hearing . You will find that the term ‘sensory impairment' is commonly used by professionals rather than people with a ‘sensory impairment' themselves.
How can you communicate effectively with a visually impaired client?
Speak directly to the person not through a companion, guide, or other individual. Speak to the person using a natural conversational tone and speed . Do not speak loudly and slowly unless the person also has a hearing impairment. Address the person by name when possible.
How do you communicate with partially sighted?
- Make sure the child knows of your presence. ...
- Always use the child's name. ...
- Tell the child when you are leaving. ...
- Touch for attention if necessary. ...
- Speak clearly. ...
- Give verbal warnings. ...
- Offer clear descriptions. ...
- Explaining situations.
What are the 5 principles of the accessible information standard?
- Identify. How does the service assess for disability related information or communication needs? ...
- Record. How does the service record those identified needs clearly? ...
- Flag. ...
- Share. ...
- Meet. ...
- Adult social care. ...
- Hospitals. ...
- Primary medical and dental services.
Why is it important to value an individual with sensory loss?
Having a good understanding of sensory loss in all its forms is essential in supporting these individuals effectively. This unit will give you an understanding of the range and causes of sensory loss, the potential negative impact and how effective communication can support an individual to maintain their independence.
What are the main causes of sensory loss?
- age-related hearing loss.
- genetic conditions, such as Usher syndrome.
- an infection in a baby in the womb, such as rubella (German measles)
- cerebral palsy – a problem with the brain and nervous system that mainly affects movement and co-ordination.
What should you eat when you lose your taste?
Try sharp tasting foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, juices, sorbet, jelly, lemon mousse , fruit yoghurt, boiled sweets, mints, lemonade, Marmite, Bovril, or aniseed. Excessive sweetness can be relieved by diluting drinks with tonic or soda water. Adding ginger, nutmeg or cinnamon to puddings may be helpful.
What is the first sense to decline as we age?
The sense of smell is often taken for granted, that is until it deteriorates. As we get older, our olfactory function declines. Not only do we lose our sense of smell, we lose our ability to discriminate between smells.
What causes loss of taste in seniors?
Some loss of taste and smell is natural with aging, especially after age 60. However, other factors can contribute to loss of taste and smell, including: Nasal and sinus problems , such as allergies, sinusitis or nasal polyps. Certain medications, including beta blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) ...
How does sensory loss affect language?
They may already find it harder to communicate . Not being able to hear what is going on around them or hear other people speak can add to their confusion. Dementia and hearing loss can also make people feel socially isolated, so having both conditions at once can be very difficult for someone.
What affects sensory loss?
Underlying factors of sensory loss in older adults include nerve degeneration, environmental insults, genetic susceptibility , or a combination of these (University of Chicago Medical Center 2016).
What happens if the sensory system fails?
When sensory nerves have been damaged the following symptoms are common: Numbness . Tingling . Shooting pain or burning .
