Abstract
Introduction
Around 90% of aged care residents with dementia have hearing and/or vision impairment. These impairments frequently go unsupported, exacerbating the impact of dementia and leading to loss of independence, social isolation, anxiety, and depression. We worked with residents, family and care-workers to co-design a sensory support intervention that included a sensory champion, care-worker training, integration of hearing/vision support into daily tasks, visual reminders and hearing/vision support stations to store devices (e.g. glasses and hearing aids).
Objectives
To evaluate implementation of the co-designed hearing and vision intervention using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA).
Method
The intervention was evaluated via a TFA (5-Likert scale) questionnaire and semi-structured interview data with care-workers in two sites. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data via thematic analysis guided by TFA constructs (affective attitude, perceived effectiveness, intervention coherence, self-efficacy, burden, ethicality, and opportunity costs.)
Results
Thirty-five care-workers completed the questionnaire and 13 were interviewed. Questionnaire responses indicated high acceptability (M=4.71, SD=0.46), and perceived effectiveness. Participants reported that the intervention increased provision of hearing/vison support (M=4.46, SD=0.56) and improved residents’ outcomes (M=4.66, SD=0.48). Ratings where withing the ‘neural’ range for burden (M=3.17, SD=1.25) and opportunity costs (M=3.23, SD=1.19). Thematic analysis highlighted positive attitudes, and perceived effectiveness of the intervention including greater staff awareness of hearing/vision needs, improved communication, and better management of sensory aids. Care-workers reported they had developed skills in hearing aid maintenance and cleaning, and had integrated hearing/vision support into daily care routines. Participants found that the intervention was easy to implement and suggested periodic training to sustain knowledge.
Conclusion
The intervention was perceived by care workers as being highly acceptable and effective, with care workers integrating hearing/vision support for residents into their daily routines. Ongoing training could enhance long-term sustainability of hearing/vision support in aged care settings.