Sensory Impairments
Sensory impairment is a condition where one or more of the senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste, and spatial awareness) are not functioning as they should. Ha5ocare staff provide specialized support for individuals with vision loss (blindness/partial sight) or hearing loss (deafness/hard of hearing), focusing on communication, accessibility, and independent living.
Vision Impairment Support
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Mobility & Orientation include: White cane training, guide dogs, tactile markers.
Example: Teaching a newly blind adult to navigate home safely. - Daily Adaptations include: Braille labels, talking devices (clocks, thermometers), high-contrast items. Example: Using a voice-activated smart home system.
Hearing Impairment Support
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Communication Tools: Sign language (BSL/ASL), hearing aids, speech-to-text apps.
Example: A caregiver learning basic BSL for a deaf client. -
Environmental Adjustments: Visual alarms (doorbells, smoke detectors), captioned media.
Example: Flashing-light alert systems for emergencies.
Dual Sensory Loss (Deaf blindness)
- Tactile Communication: Hand-under-hand signing, braille, or object symbols. Example: Using textured cards to signal meal times.
Emotional & Social Support
- Reducing isolation through specialist groups (e.g., deaf social clubs).
- Advocacy for accessibility rights (e.g., public transport).
Technology & Aids
- Screen readers (JAWS), amplified phones, or vibrating alert devices.
