To develop a sensory impairment can be literally life changing, and when someone’s world shifts in this way they will naturally need time to adjust and get used to their new way of being. As with any significant life change, there may be some some challenging emotions that go along with it. If you are caring for someone who has developed a sensory impairment, it can also feel daunting for you.
Here we share some insight into what the person you care for might be going through, as well as some practical tools and simple ways you can support their emotional wellbeing whilst also looking after yourself during this challenging time.
The long term impact of developing a sensory impairment
Developing a sensory impairment may mean the person you care for will not be able to go about their life in the same way as before. For example, it may require the person you care for to think about themselves, their communication styles, and the activities they enjoy differently. This can take some getting used to, especially if they may have concerns about barriers they will face in being able to communicate and a reduction in their independence.
Other complex feelings which can arise include a feeling of loss and grief. With the right support and opportunities to increase their independence, it is certainly possible for them to enjoy their lives in a full, but potentially different, way.
Ways to emotionally support someone who is developing a sensory impairment
As a carer for someone with sensory impairment, you might be involved in offering emotional support as they adjust to their new situation. You might provide a listening ear and words of comfort during those difficult and emotive conversations around coming to terms with their sensory impairment.
Simply providing a safe space and allowing the person you care for to express what they are going through will offer huge relief to them.
Developing a sensory impairment can give rise to lots of emotions, and the person you care for may need support to process their feelings about what is going on for them. Some people find it easier than others to express their feelings, but expressing these feelings out loud can be a great way to process their feelings, achieve greater acceptance and an ability to view their new situation in a more positive, hopeful light.
Strong feelings and emotions should also be expressed and processed to prevent them building up and avoid other conditions like depression and anxiety setting in. Our guide to navigating difficult feelings and emotions may be useful.
Helping the person you care for to focus on self care strategies that support their wellbeing will help them to build more resilience and confidence they need to face any challenges that come their way.
Developing a sensory impairment may lead to the person you care for feeling less connected to the world around them. Being able to participate more fully at work or school and in their favourite sports, hobbies, and social events will help reduce feelings of loss and sadness and will support the person you care for in enjoying their life in new ways.
As their carer you can help by talking with them about ways you can make the things they enjoy more accessible.
Having conversations with friends and family can be more difficult for someone with a sensory impairment. Whether it’s on the phone, via video call or in person, learning how to communicate and feel part of the conversation can be challenging. When someone misses part of the conversation or feels excluded, it can increase feelings of helplessness, isolation and loneliness, so actively inviting the person you care for to participate and involving them in conversations is an important first step.
You can help the person you care for to follow conversations by taking simple steps to ensure the environment you are in is set up to support them. Depending on their particular needs, you might make sure the room is well lit, the chair they are sitting in is in the right place and there isn't any other competing background noise. You might also introduce certain communication tools designed to help the person you care for to engage more fully in any situation.
Being able to communicate their own needs and preferences, and be clear about their boundaries, can help the person you care for to feel more confident and empowered, and prevent feelings of overwhelm building up. Once the person you care for understands what they can and cannot do and is more confident to seek support where they need it, it will be easier for them to engage with other people and situations in a way that feels more positive to them. Our self-advocacy toolkit goes into more detail.
There may be times when the person you care for might feel overwhelmed and experience what is known as sensory overload. As well as being a difficult situation for you to deal with, sensory overload can be extremely stressful for the person you care for to experience and can have a real impact on their wellbeing, so knowing how to prevent and manage it can make you feel more confident. Our article on understanding sensory overload goes into more depth.
Helping the person you care for to access support
Knowing they are part of a strong support network can be very reassuring to the person you care for. As well as drawing on the support of family and friends, they might have specific questions about their condition, or what to speak to someone else who understands exactly what they are going through without them having to explain. Their GP or health team will be able to answer questions and signpost them to the relevant people and organisations. They will also have connections with local peer support groups, and you can also search for these online. Condition-specific organisations and charities also offer a huge amount of help in every area, from practical advice to counselling, training and in-person support.
What to do when their sensory impairment changes
Some people with a sensory impairment can experience a deterioration in their hearing or sight over time, and as their condition progresses, some people can experience a feeling of continuous ‘loss’ as they remember what life was like before. This can trigger feelings such as grief, anxiety and sadness, and so allowing the person you care for to express their thoughts and feelings when they need to will be extremely helpful to them.
Being able to access the right support as quickly as possible may prevent further deterioration, so helping the person you care for to identify and report any changes is very valuable. Our article on supporting someone to manage changes due their sensory impairment has more details.