It’s never an easy decision when you admit a loved one into a nursing home. There are a lot of feelings for everyone, but rest assured it is one way that you can ensure that your loved one will be able to receive the around-the-clock care they need at this point in their life. Now that they are living in a new place there is a lot to get used to like-new social situations and new places to navigate. You can ensure that they can succeed to their highest potential in their new living situation by helping them keep up with their hearing health.
Age-Related Hearing Loss
Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis is incredibly common for older adults. One in three people over 65 have presbycusis and by 75 half of all people do. Presbycusis occurs due to natural changes caused by aging, within the inner ear. Specifically, tiny hair-like cells called stereocilia send sound information from the ears to the brain. Stereocilia are incredibly fragile and can be affected by many common health issues common in people of advanced age such as heart issues, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, and more. If you haven’t already screened for hearing loss, it’s a great idea to do this now. This can set your loved ones up for a future where they can feel confident and able to connect everywhere they go.
Treating Presbycusis
Age-related hearing loss is an irreversible condition but that doesn’t mean it’s not untreatable. The most common treatment is hearing aids, which amplify the sounds your loved one struggles with and allows them to confidently participate in conversations, and classes offered at their nursing facility. They will be more likely to try new things and go new places.
Help Them Get Used to Hearing Aids
If your loved one can care for their hearing aids encourage them to take an interest. Daily cleaning of parts will make sure that you get the most longevity out of your purchase possible. Some ways you can support your loved ones using their hearing aids include:
- practicing with them while they get familiarized with their device
- verbally reminding them
- labeling their hearing aids, purchasing attachments that can be clipped on which makes them less likely to lose
- helping them identify where they will be stored overnight
Ensuring Your Loved one Takes Advantage of Hearing Aids
Having hearing aids prescribed is only one aspect on the journey to improved hearing. You must encourage your loved one to wear them. This can be difficult depending on the level of dexterity and presence that your loved one is living with. Putting hearing aids in and making sure they are in the right setting can be a barrier that keeps them from wearing them completely. Often the tiny batteries which need to be replaced often are too difficult to maintain. This is a great time to rely on the staff at the facility for support.
Get to Know the Staff
Whether your loved one is cared for by the same person every day or there is a rotating staff it is important to be in contact with the people who see and care for your loved one daily. Let them know that your person relies on hearing aids to help them hear and if they can, make sure they are cleaned, charged stored, and worn daily. If the staff rotates you can make signs with instructions to let others know how to help.
Consistent Communication
When your loved one transitions to a nursing home it is more important than ever to engage in constant communication with them. Common feelings on this transition include confusion, feelings of being out of control, depression, loss, and heightened anxiety. An investment in hearing aids can help your loved one transition quicker to a new lifestyle. They may even be excited about new contemporaries as neighbors, just right next store. With enhanced hearing, they finally can connect to more people that reduce mobility may have caused in their older living situation.
Schedule an Appointment
If you haven’t already, schedule a hearing exam now for your loved one. The advantages increase the quality of life considerably. If they are already wearing hearing aids, it’s always a good idea to stay up to date to make sure they are still doing the most for your loved ones’ hearing. Schedule a hearing consultation today.