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For people who have lived with Sensory impairment for all or much of their life, they will still face a deterioration in their sensory abilities akin to the rest of the population.  

Impaired Sensory functioning affects quality of life by influencing how individuals experience their environment and react to stimuli. 

Changes may lead to social limitations, isolation, and negative consequences for people’s well-being.  

Deafblindness is a combination of sight and hearing loss that affects a person's ability to communicate, access information and get around. It's also sometimes called 'dual sensory loss' or 'multi-sensory impairment'. 

Ageing can have significant implications for someone who is deafblind, affecting various aspects of their life: 

  • Communication Challenges  
  • Increased isolation 
  • Physical vulnerability 
  • Mental health impact 
  • Need for adaptation 

Click this link to read  Tracey’s story – the emotional impact of sight and hearing loss – Deafblind UK  

Crib sheet - Implications of ageing with a sensory impairment

Here are some common Sensory impairments and the implications of ageing but remember, this is not an exhaustive list. You must ensure that you research any condition and talk to the person that you are supporting, to ensure that you fully understand the implications of the condition and the impact of ageing. This will enable you to tailor and personalise the support you give them. 

Consider some of these implications for ageing with a sensory impairment 

Essex Cares ltd (ECL) – for people with sensory needs 

A dedicated team at Essex Cares Ltd (ECL), provide a range of personalised services, all aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals with sensory impairments who live within Essex. 

The ECL Sensory Service can provide support and information with things like: 

  • Specialist one to one support - a team of highly skilled and experienced staff available to support individuals in a range of settings including in the home, in the community and in hospital. 
  • Sighted guides and Communicator Guides - staff who can offer support with a huge range of activities and we are keen to help people stay independent, active and enjoying living the life they want.  
  • Health appointment service – support to access health appointments 
  • Transition communication support worker – for when people feel that their communication needs are changing and require support to learn new communication methods 
  • Deafblind specialist assessments – a team of suitably trained and qualified assessors who are able to assess the current and potential future needs of deafblind people.  
  • Personal assistant training – sensory training for personal assistants to help them with supporting people with sensory needs 

ECL also have a rehab team who can assess and suggest adjustments to maintain independence, recommending and sometimes funding, a range of equipment as people’s sight and hearing deteriorate. If you notice changes in the people you support, direct them to the ECL website to make a referral for a specialist assessment. Here’s the form (add ECL referral form attached)

They also offer sensory awareness training, sighted guide training, BSL level 1&2, sensory audits of buildings and have an action alliance for sharing of information, news and development updates.

Specialist one-to-one sensory support

Other useful links for supporting people with sensory needs: 

Here’s the link to the ECL sensory service website: Sensory support for individuals - ECL 

  • Manifestation: Hearing impairment ranges from mild to profound hearing loss. 
  • Implications for Ageing:  
  • Communication Challenges: Ageing individuals may struggle with conversations, phone calls, and social interactions. 
  • Isolation: Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation. 
  • Assistive Technology: Hearing aids, cochlear implants, and captioned phones improve communication. 
  • Safety Awareness: Hearing loss affects awareness of environmental sounds (e.g., alarms, traffic). 
  • Manifestation: Visual impairment varies from partial vision loss to complete blindness. 
  • Implications for Ageing:  
  • Adaptive Techniques: Ageing individuals learn braille, use screen readers, and rely on guide dogs. 
  • Safety Concerns: Navigating surroundings safely becomes crucial. 
  • Social Isolation: Visual impairment may lead to social isolation. 
  • Accessible Environments: Well-designed spaces enhance independence. 
  • Manifestation:  
  • Ageusia: Complete loss of taste. 
  • Hypogeusia: Reduced ability to taste. 
  • Anosmia: Loss of smell. 
  • Implications for Ageing:  
  • Nutrition: Taste and smell impact food choices and appetite. 
  • Safety: Inability to detect spoiled food or gas leaks. 
  • Quality of Life: Enjoyment of meals and sensory experiences. 

 

  • Manifestation:  
  • Vertigo: Sensation of spinning or dizziness. 
  • Disequilibrium: Unsteadiness or imbalance. 
  • Implications for Ageing:  
  • Fall Risk: Balance issues increase the risk of falls. 
  • Functional Limitations: Difficulty walking or standing. 
  • Adaptive Strategies: Using assistive devices (e.g., canes, walkers) 

 

  • Manifestation: Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ears. 
  • Implications for Ageing:  
  • Quality of Life: Persistent tinnitus affects concentration, sleep, and overall well-being. 
  • Hearing Protection: Avoiding loud environments helps prevent worsening of symptoms. 
  • Stress Management: Coping strategies reduce tinnitus-related stress. 

 

  • Manifestation: Peripheral neuropathy involves nerve damage, leading to tingling, numbness, and weakness in extremities. 
  • Implications for Ageing:  
  • Balance Issues: Neuropathy affects proprioception and balance. 
  • Foot Care: Regular foot checks are essential to prevent injuries. 
  • Pain Management: Neuropathic pain requires tailored approaches. 
  • Fall Prevention: Awareness of foot placement reduces fall risk. 

 

  • Manifestation: Presbyopia is age-related farsightedness due to changes in the eye lens. 
  • Implications for Ageing:  
  • Reading Difficulty: Close-up tasks (e.g., reading, sewing) become challenging. 
  • Reading Glasses: Many individuals need reading glasses. 
  • Adjusting Lighting: Adequate lighting helps mitigate symptoms. 
  • Eye Exams: Regular check-ups ensure proper correction. 

 

Top tips for ageing well with physical and sensory impairments

  • Regular Check-ups: Prioritise and continue regular health check-ups to monitor your overall well-being, manage any existing conditions, and address age-related health changes. 
  • Specialist Visits: Consult with specialists who understand both ageing and your specific disability. They can provide tailored advice and preventive measures. 
  • Assistive Devices: Explore and utilise assistive devices (e.g., mobility aids, adaptive tools) that enhance your independence and safety. A range of available technology may help reduce the impact of any disability. - Refer to the Technology section of this toolkit for more innovative suggestions of what could help maintain and enhance independence.  
  • Home Modifications: Adapt your living space to accommodate changing needs. Consider features like ramps, grab bars, and wider doorways.  
  • Stay Active: Engage in physical activities suitable for your condition. Regular exercise helps maintain strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health and helps manage emotional well being 
  • Balance and Strength Training: Focus on exercises that improve balance and prevent falls. 
  • Balanced Diet: Proper nutrition supports overall health. Consult a dietitian if needed. 
  • Hydration: Stay hydrated to prevent complications related to medications or existing health conditions. 
  • Chronic Pain: Ageing may exacerbate pain associated with your disability. Work with healthcare providers to manage pain effectively. 
  • Medication Review: Regularly review medications to ensure they align with your changing needs. 
  • Community Support: Maintain social connections. Participate in disability-specific and non-disability specific groups, community events, or online forums. Staying connected is essential for positive wellbeing. 
  • Address any emotional challenges related to ageing and disability. Find out about counselling and support groups in the local area. 
  • Long-Term Care: Consider long-term care options, including home care or assisted living facilities. 
  • Legal and Financial Arrangements: Plan for legal matters, such as advance directives and estate planning.
Last updated: 13/02/2025
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