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Interim Deprivation of Liberty Practice Guidance (AGNI Judgment 2026)

New interim guidance has been published following the AGNI 2026 Supreme Court judgment. Adult Social Care providers are encouraged to review the guidance to understand Essex County Council's current interim approach while further national guidance is awaited.

Read the guidance

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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

 

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.

Here is the link to their web page: Sensory support for individuals - ECL

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

Other useful links for supporting people with sensory needs: Anyes – copy the following links from the updated Provider toolkit.

News | Deafblind UK

Communication support for deaf people | nidirect

My Vision Impairment passport

Good Practice in Vision rehabilitation - guidance on the principles of service delivery for those with visual impairment

 

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.

    • 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.
    • 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).
Last updated: 23/12/2025
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