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CASE STUDY "ALVERNA"
Proposal for guidelines on hearing impairment
= Contribution to quality of life =
Since 2003, Wendelina Timmerman has been paid attention to hearing impairment in various ways at Klooster Alverna (the Alverna Convent).
Communication courses have been organised for the sisters, and clinical lessons have been given to the staff and care workers. The induction loop in the chapel has been tested, the activity room now has good acoustics and the induction loop in Boekenroode is being improved.
Spring 2007:
The questions put to Hooridee/hearing ideas by both the hearing and hearing-impaired sisters and the inventory discussions with professionals, show a need for structure and consistency in the care of the hearing-impaired at Klooster Alverna.
Hooridee advice on hearing loss proposes guidelines for hearing impairment to improve the quality of care to the hearing-impaired.
The guidelines for hearing impairment comprise the following components:
- a multidisciplinary plan for the entire organisation;
- a screening;
- the training of two employees as hearing-impaired attendants.
These principles are congruent with the current developments within health care:
- From the study Ear and Eye for Quality of Life by the Brabants Centrum voor gehandicaptenbeleid (Brabant Centre for Disability Policy), it is clear from a screening at the nursing home Welstaete that 73% of the residents has hearing loss.
- Specific expertise on hearing impairment is being organised in the workplace. The care staff are being trained on the correct attitude and the right approach to this problem. Moreover, this organisation has opted for a structured approach.
Plan of action to establish the guidelines for hearing impairment:
- A multidisciplinary approach
Up to date expertise provides the right knowledge, skills and working conditions necessary for a consistent approach to hearing impairment. A clear protocol is introduced.
The professionals are aware who has the knowledge and expertise.
They know who has the answers to which questions. They can refer among themselves.
Subsequently, care staff, attendant staff and professionals can execute the guidelines for hearing impairment as a team.
The various disciplines are jointly responsible for the approach.
Progress and implementation is discussed on a regular basis.
Each sister is screened on the basis of a questionnaire.
The appropriate discipline for carrying out the screening and analysis is discussed.
The screening gives insight into the problems which are then brought into perspective.
It becomes clear who is hearing impaired and the question of who needs help can be clarified.
A check-up is made whether a hearing aid is worn and whether it is functioning satisfactorily.
An assessment can be made which other appliances are necessary.
Information and an explanation is given.
An individual plan of action can be determined.
The care staff can respond to the identified problems and communicate appropriately.
- Addressing hearing impairment
Two care workers are trained as hearing-impaired attendants.
They will acquire extensive knowledge on hearing loss and hearing aids.
They will be trained in communication and related skills.
They will be the contact person within the organisation. They give appropriate tips and advice.
They work for all disciplines. They consult regularly with external specialists such as, for example, audiologists. They hold a monthly consultation hour for the sisters.
They can make referrals if necessary.
From the above, it is apparent that staff training and education for execution and implementation of these guidelines is necessary.
The quality of life of the sisters can be improved through specific expertise.
Through creating insight and improving communication and skills, the work of the care workers and staff is optimized.
Hooridee/hearing ideas offers its expertise in the adoption of guidelines for hearing impairment.
This means:
- Staff training for all professionals.
- Facilitating the screening and analysis.
- The training of two staff members as hearing-impaired attendants.
- Evaluation and implementation.
- Supervision.
MORE INFORMATION OR AN APPOINTMENT? Email: info@hooridee.nl.
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