Care England partners with training provider on hearing loss

Care England has partnered with deaf awareness training provider Engage on a campaign calling for greater knowledge and support around hearing loss in care homes.

The campaign follows publication of Engage’s white paper last year, developed in partnership with the representative body and care provider Nightingale Hammerson, which called for greater sector-wide recognition of hearing loss.

Hearing loss affects at least 18 million individuals in the UK, according to charity RNID, with more than 80% of people over the age of 70 impacted by it.

At least nine in 10 care home residents live with some degree of hearing loss, yet fewer than a quarter of those who would benefit from hearing aids actually use them. Only half of residents with dementia receive any help with their hearing at all. ‘The negative impact of untreated hearing loss on care home residents includes increased risks of falls, communication barriers, relationship breakdowns, anxiety, depression and cognitive decline,’ the white paper said.

The campaign follows concerns raised by frontline care staff. Many say they have never received practical guidance on supporting residents with hearing loss or managing hearing technology.

Over the past decade, Engage has worked with over 35 care homes, two extra care services and three domiciliary care services in England, training over 3,500 staff.

‘Hearing loss is one of the most widespread and overlooked challenges affecting people living in care homes. It is often misunderstood as simply part of getting older, rather than something that directly affects communication, relationships, wellbeing and inclusion,’ said Padraic Garrett, head of Engage. ‘Through this campaign, we want to work alongside providers to help build confidence, improve communication and ensure residents remain connected to the people and world around them.’

The campaign, which launches this month, will offer practical resources, webinars, expert insight and supporting materials to help providers engage with the issues. An event in November will bring this work together to share learning, hear from sector leaders and build momentum for the next phase of the campaign.

Professor Martin Green, Care England chief executive officer, said: ‘This campaign drives rapid, practical improvements through a small number of everyday actions that any care team can embed into their practice. Get this right, and you improve communication, safety, wellbeing and quality of care for the people who need it most.’