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Home » All Posts » Hear Us Out: Home Modifications for Loved Ones Living with Hearing Loss

As hearing deteriorates your relationship doesn't have to

Loss of Hearing

Hearing loss is the third most common chronic health problem among older adults. Studies show that about 33% of adults between the ages of 65 and 75 experience hearing loss. Frequently, loss of hearing causes a great deal of frustration and anxiety for older adults, negatively impacting their quality of life. While it is difficult to manage, there are many simple things you can do to help your loved one with hearing loss better cope with this loss.

Home STruggles

with hearing loss

Hearing loss can take both a mental and physical toll on your loved one. They need your support now more than ever as they navigate this difficult time in their life.

Living with Hearing Loss

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Mental Health And

Social Isolation

Many older adults feel shame and embarrassment about losing their hearing, causing them to become withdrawn from friends and family to mask this secret. Sometimes, this can cause our loved ones to feel sad, lonely, or even depressed for extended periods.

Remind your loved one that hearing loss is common and normal.
Be patient and empathetic with your loved one when you communicate. If they ask you to repeat yourself, don’t get frustrated or upset – this may make them feel guilty for asking.
Make yourself easy to talk to by getting their attention first before speaking. Look directly at your loved one and talk loudly, clearly, and in complete sentences.
Stay engaged and involved in your loved one’s life. Schedule time with them frequently.

Brain Health:

Cognitive Decline

Recent studies suggest that hearing loss in older adults is also associated with cognitive decline. Your loved one may have trouble thinking about or remembering things, causing them to feel stressed and frustrated. Sometimes, this can even lead to challenging behaviors from your loved one.

Place sticky notes around your parent’s home with simple daily reminders. These notes will help them remember to complete tasks they might otherwise forget to do.
Break down your loved one’s tasks into manageable, bite-sized chunks.
Help your loved one maintain a healthy diet and exercise plan – a healthy body can go a long way in preventing cognitive decline!
Make sure your loved one has access to stimulating activities to keep their mind active – puzzles, gardening, arts/crafts, and reading can all be beneficial.

Brain Health:

Cognitive Decline

Recent studies suggest that hearing loss in older adults is also associated with cognitive decline. Your loved one may have trouble thinking about or remembering things, causing them to feel stressed and frustrated. Sometimes, this can even lead to challenging behaviors from your loved one.

Place sticky notes around your parent’s home with simple daily reminders. These notes will help them remember to complete tasks they might otherwise forget to do.
Break down your loved one’s tasks into manageable, bite-sized chunks.
Help your loved one maintain a healthy diet and exercise plan – a healthy body can go a long way in preventing cognitive decline!
Make sure your loved one has access to stimulating activities to keep their mind active – puzzles, gardening, arts/crafts, and reading can all be beneficial.

Coping With

Household Struggles

Hearing loss can harm your loved one’s ability to live safely and independently in their own home. Ensure your loved one has the tools they need to maintain their dignity and independence as they experience these life changes.

If your loved one is having trouble hearing their doorbell, consider installing a video doorbell or one that will flash.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with a flashing strobe light to ensure your loved one receives important safety alerts they need.
Consider buying your loved one a vibrating watch as a portable timer.
Put a telephone amplifier on your loved one’s phone so that they can enjoy easy access to their phone. Bonus: some even include a flashing ringer to alert your loved one when they are receiving a call.

Taking In To account

Physical Challenges

Hearing loss can harm your loved one’s ability to live safely and independently in their own home. Ensure your loved one has the tools they need to maintain their dignity and independence as they experience these life changes.

If your loved one is having trouble hearing their doorbell, consider installing a video doorbell or one that will flash.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with a flashing strobe light to ensure your loved one receives important safety alerts they need.
Consider buying your loved one a vibrating watch as a portable timer.
Put a telephone amplifier on your loved one’s phone so that they can enjoy easy access to their phone. Bonus: some even include a flashing ringer to alert your loved one when they are receiving a call.

Hearing loss is difficult to cope with, but Beverly’s Daughter is here to help. Have your loved one’s audiologist or primary care doctor craft a list of potential modifications your loved one may need and send it over to our team for a customized action plan within 48 hours of receipt. Your loved one is our priority – let us help you in supporting them.

Sources:

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Using Technology to Communicate Care

For many American homes, voice-controlled speakers and personal assistant devices have become a norm of convenience. From turning up the music volume to dimming lights, Amazon’s line of Echo products have become a source of home-living ease for many. However, an often overlooked benefit of the Echo product line-up is the added ease of daily living it can provide our aging adults. And, in the time of social-distancing and medical isolation, these products can also increase connection and interaction with our loved ones without the need to compromise safety.

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