This paper aims to offer practical suggestions as to factors needing consideration when meeting, interacting with or assessing the needs of an older person living with acquired…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to offer practical suggestions as to factors needing consideration when meeting, interacting with or assessing the needs of an older person living with acquired deafblindness.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper’s author draws on his personal experience of living with acquired deafblindness to offer practical suggestions.
Findings
This paper offers an experiential definition of acquired deafblindness, before providing practical suggestions related to engaging with deafblind people, distinguishing between acquired deafblindness and cognitive decline, and assessing hearing and sight levels.
Originality/value
There is a paucity of literature on the lived experience of older people living with acquired deafblindness. This paper offers both a unique insight into this experience combined with practical suggestions for those in contact with older deafblind people.