Research project to assist seniors with dual sensory loss
Age related dual sensory loss or deafblindness is an isolating disability for our growing ageing population. Western Australia disability service provider Senses Australia is undertaking a project called ‘Ending the Isolation’ to help older Australians living with deafblindness.
“Age related dual sensory loss or deafblindness is an isolating disability for our growing ageing population,
The two year project has received funding from the Commonwealth Government’s Department of Social Services and will take place in Western Australia. Findings will assist in developing a screening tool as well as information packages, which will be available to the aged care sector nationwide.
Matthew Wittorff, Senses Australia’s Manager Deafblind Services and the lead researcher in the project, says the project will assist those working in the aged care sector to identify when a person has a combination of a vision and hearing impairment.
“Age related dual sensory loss or deafblindness is an isolating disability for our growing ageing population. It is our goal to educate and create resources for people working in the aged care industry, so they can support older Australians and give them the support they need. We want to help end the isolation for many older Australians experiencing hearing and vision loss,” says Mr Wittorff.
Mr Wittorff says Senses Australia is excited to be supporting the aged care industry with this project. “We are committed to providing appropriate information and support to Australians who are deafblind or have dual sensory loss, as well as conducting research and advocating on their behalf.”
To find out more about Senses Australia visit senses.org.au.
Aged care organisations that are interested in taking part in the research can contact Matthew Wittorff – Senses Australia’s Manager, Deafblind Services by email: matthew.wittorff@senses.org.au or phone 08 9473 5451.
