Older persons with a hearing impairment: “Townsville ACAT Hearing Assessment Resource”

1. Older persons with a hearing impairment: “Townsville ACAT Hearing Assessment Resource” Presented by Vivien Hunter & Carol Greenleaf

2. NEEDS OF HEARING IMPAIRED Both client and carer needs should be identified Obtain accurate information Client centred approach A need in relation to capacity issues A safe and comfortable environment Optimum use of resources Need for better communication with increasing numbers of elderly.

3. Statistics- the size of the problem • Hearing loss affects about 30% of between 65-74 years • Affects 3 in every 4 people over the age of 70 • More than 10 million elders have hearing loss • 1 in 4 Australians by 2050 will have hearing loss

4. Psychosocial Aspects Loneliness Isolation Frustration Low self-esteem Depression Lack of Confidence

5. Development of the Resource Need Identified Research undertaken to justify need, revealed no other resource available. Questionnaire created Working party established to develop and refine written assessment resource. Consultation psychologist & multidisciplinary team members

6. Assessment Questionnaire Format & Design • Questions are written in bold print with space for answers • Answers can be written by client after reading the questions • Or, a mixture of direct questioning by the assessor with cues to assist the client reading and answering the questions together.

7. Assessment Questionnaire is divided into 6 Different Parts. • Background Information • Help at Home • Managing Personal Cares • Mood and Affect • Thinking and Memory (based on the MMSE) • Planning and Support for You

8. 1. Background Information • The case manager and questionnaire form is introduced. • Knowledge of clients general demographics, their educational level and involvement of carers. • Clients present health status. • Factors to enhance or inhibit social and health plans.

9. 2. Help at Home • Assistance currently received at home. • Beneficial assistance for the client should they need or want to stay at home • Exploration of the clients strengths and weakness.

10. 3. Managing Personal Cares • These questions are based on the Modified Bathel Index. • Deals with the client’s ability or inability to manage their personal care.

11. 4. Mood and Affect • These questions allow the client to verbalise there current emotional and psychological state of mind.

12. Thinking and Memory (based on the MMSE and in consultation with our teams Psychologist.) • These questions have been adapted from the MMSE. • The purpose is to use as a guide. • The results documented by observations and comments regarding the answers.

13. 5. Thinking and Memory (based on the MMSE) • Refers to Registration and Recall of 3 words (adapted from the MMSE). • Refers to Attention and Calculation. An image of the world is provided. • Client confirms understanding by writing “WORLD” backwards.

14. 6. Planning and Support for You • Explores options the client wants to pursue to suit their needs. • Supply information about the location, names and types of support /or care facilities. • Support with other pamphlets and information.

15. OutcomeFacilitates accuracy of informationfor all For Clients • Pivotal role empowering. • Accurate information recognises need. • Provides choice of service and type of delivery. • Flexible, tailored to needs. For Service Providers • Accurate identification of client’s need • Determines cognitive and other deficits • Improved time management • Appropriate referrals to other health professionals

16. Where to now? • The resource has useful application when used on those clients who have speech or breathing difficulty. • Resource may be adapted for ATSI or CALD clients Email – Carol_Greenleaf@health.qld.gov.au