How To Choose An Assisted Living Facility For A Deaf Senior
Seniors are at greater risk for suffering hearing loss and eventually deafness as they grow older. Fortunately, there are assisted living facilities specifically designed to care for deaf seniors in a comfortable setting that is tailored to suit their specific medical needs. Here is information about what features and amenities you should expect when searching for an assisted living facility for deaf seniors.
The Right Staff is Essential
Seniors with deafness issues often feel isolated and lonely due to difficulties with communication. Not only that, but a lack of communication also can create situations where they aren't receiving the care they need,both physically, psychologically and medically.
That's why one of the first factors that should impact your decision on choosing a facility is ensuring there are numerous staff available with fluency in American Sign Language. This can ensure that you or your loved one has someone speak to communicate needs and wishes. Sign language interpreters should also be available, helping you or your loved one to communicate with outside visitors and members who don't belong to the assisted living community, including friends and family.
Assisted Living That Caters to The Hearing Impaired
Certain assisted living facilities have systems in place that are specifically designed for deaf seniors. This includes specialized video conferencing modules and systems, audiovisual equipment, and Teletype (TTY) phone sets, which allow for better communication for those who are deaf. At the same time, all TVs should have caption-enabled settings.
The assisted care living facility you're interested in should also have special safety features specifically for the deaf. This includes alarm systems that have an emphasis on visuals and lights in the case of an emergency, ensuring a deaf senior can react quickly to fires or other threats. These systems may also incorporate features such as vibrating beds and use high-intensity strobe lights.
As with all assisted living care facilities, you should also ensure that there are plenty of activities, courses, and medical experts available to make sure you or your loved one stays as healthy as possible.
A Facility That's Inviting and Comfortable
Often seniors who have lost their sense of hearing find pleasure in the senses they still have available. While not all seniors enjoy perfect vision, those that have retained all or some of their vision can benefit from a facility that has a pleasant design, a garden center, and relaxing features such as fountains or a fully outfitted library.
Ultimately, the challenges of assisted living for deaf seniors can be overcome with a facility that recognizes their unique needs. If you or somebody you know needs assisted living for the deaf, keep these tips in mind to help ensure the best facility is found. Talk to places like Queen Anne Manor Senior Living for more information.
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