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Figure 13:6 Estimated numbers of people with some degree of and more severe dual sensory loss
Estimated number of people living with some degree of dual sensory loss
Estimated number of people living with more severe dual sensory loss
Source: RNIB
Carmarthenshire Ceredigion Pembrokeshire
1,345 931 546 455 320 191
13.3. Current and Future Care and Support Needs
The positive impact of prevention, early identification, practical and emotional support and accessibility of services is common across all categories of sensory loss. Whilst many people with sensory impairment will not need direct care and support for their condition, they are more likely to suffer with depression, anxiety, loneliness, loss of independence and isolation, along with poorer employment prospects and the financial impact that can bring, than the general population. Appropriate low level support can play a key role in mitigating the effect of these and in improving the general wellbeing of people with these conditions.
Since, as outlined above, sight loss can often be accompanied by other chronic conditions, people may often be receiving other care and support relating, for example, to stroke, diabetes and dementia.
Care and support needs are explored in further detail overleaf.
Prevention and early identification
Research by the RNIB suggests that 50% of blindness and serious sight loss could be prevented if detected and treated in time (RNIB, 2016).
It is much easier for people to maintain their independence as their sight deteriorates if they can learn coping techniques early in the process rather than trying to re-incorporate activities into their routine that they have previously decided are off-limits. Adaptations in the home such as better lighting can be of significant benefit (Rotheroe et al, 2013). Early diagnosis of hearing loss and dual sensory loss can also facilitate better adjustment to these conditions and better levels of independence and wellbeing. Diagnosis of hearing loss can currently can take on average 10 years to obtain. Evidence suggests that GPs fail to refer up to 45% of people reporting hearing loss for an intervention such as a referral for a hearing test or hearing aids (Action on Hearing Loss, 2009).
West Wales Population Assessment March 2017 Sensory impairment