Care Groups

This is an account from the Head of Therapies explaining how the knowledge gained from Engage made a difference with one new resident.

“A new resident came to stay with us yesterday and Therapy was the first team to see her. It became clear that her hearing aids didn’t work and she could not hear anything that was being said. She has delirium and was very confused. People were trying to write things down for her, but it wasn’t ideal.

Therapy used the Amplifier and her whole face brightened up. Our new resident was able to engage and talk and kept taking the headphones off and putting them back on so she could experience the difference and compare. It completely changed the whole assessment. There were smiles and a sense for the first time that she could engage. I’m sure that this will help with her delirium as well.
I’m very happy that we could make her experience of moving in with us so much better. With the skills and knowledge that Engage gave us, we continue to trial the Amplifier with other residents where we feel it might help.

We were delighted to instal the portable Induction Loop system at the reception desk. Visitors with hearing aids now have the option to use the loop to make their initial experience of the home much more hearing-loss friendly.”

The work with Nightingale Hammerson is ongoing and the senior management team is committed to an action plan with smart objectives, including the following:

1. Provide more information on equipment and systems and ensure that residents are offered a trial when needed.
2. Good communication practices are reinforced regularly in team meetings.
3. Staff skills in supporting residents with hearing aids are monitored daily.
4. Noise and light levels are monitored in monthly audits.
5. A new fixed induction loop system will be installed.
6. Provide foundation hearing loss training to all staff.
7. Develop a support plan with Hearing Loss Champions.