How Does Hearing Loss Impact Seniors?
Companion Care at Home in Arlington County VA
When seniors start to lose their hearing, life changes. Many of those difficulties are subtle, especially at first when hearing loss is difficult to notice. As that loss continues, though, seniors may find that they experience some serious effects from reduced hearing. Companion care at home can help with many of these challenges, even if seniors don’t need a lot of help in other ways just yet.
Increased Communication Challenges
Hearing loss most obviously results in some big communication challenges. Seniors may find it difficult to follow conversations or understand what is happening around them. They may also avoid situations in which they need to talk to someone, even people they love. That might mean that phone calls and even in-person visits slow down or stop altogether.
Seniors Become More Withdrawn
Because of communication challenges and other difficulties related to hearing loss, seniors might start to withdraw more from the people around them. They may stay home more often, where they can control the volume of life, and eventually may find themselves feeling isolated. Spending time with companion care at home can help a lot, especially when companion caregivers understand and accommodate hearing loss.
Frustration and Other Emotional Challenges Are Common
Losing an ability, especially an important sense like hearing, is incredibly frustrating. Seniors can also feel embarrassed about needing people to repeat what they’ve said or because they’ve missed something. Depression is also common for people who experience hearing loss. Home care providers can help by filling in the blanks for seniors who are living with hearing loss. They can also offer emotional support that allows seniors to cope with some of their bigger feelings.
Cognitive Decline and Dementia
There are also links between hearing loss and cognitive health issues, including dementia. Researchers believe that the more profound the hearing loss is for seniors, the greater the risk is for dementia. Using hearing aids or cochlear implants may reduce that risk, but there isn’t enough evidence to say that’s true across the board. It’s believed this happens because of changes in the brain related to hearing, but the link could also be as simple as the fact that both conditions lead to social isolation. Companion care at home is still helpful because seniors have companionship, cognitive stimulation, and someone there to notice if additional help might be necessary.
Safety Concerns
Seniors who have reduced hearing may also face increased safety concerns. They may not hear alerts and alarms that warn them of a dangerous situation. They may also no longer be able to safely drive, which can limit their ability to spend time with other people. Having elder care providers there with them helps seniors stay safer, both at home and when they venture out.
Hearing loss is more than just inconvenient for aging adults. It can bring with it some big changes that have impacts on every area of a senior’s life. Companion care at home can help with some of these minor issues, allowing seniors to feel safer and enjoy the companionship they need even as they deal with hearing difficulties.
If you or an aging loved one are considering companion care at home in Arlington County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Serving Northern Virginia, The Valley, and Surrounding Communities – call us today at (703) 369-6677.
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