Toolkits guide dementia care for Deaf people

The Dementia Centre has launched two free resources this week to provide a better understanding of the impact of dementia on people who are Deaf and their specific needs.

The first toolkit targets care staff and health professionals and the second guide targets the family members and friends of a Deaf person with dementia.

The resources, which were launched at the International Dementia Conference on Monday, were developed with a grant from the Deafness Foundation. 

Deafness Foundation board member Lisa-Jane Moody said the resources shared a deep knowledge of the impact of dementia and behaviours.

“There is a great overview about communication and deafness and sign language,’ Ms Moody told the International Dementia Conference on Monday.

“They have been very carefully prepared and written with that sort of deep knowledge of the impact of dementia. And the impact on behaviour of dementia really comes through,” she said.

The guides also use case studies to provide a clear understanding of dementia and deafness, Ms Moody said.

“[There are] little vignettes and examples of case studies that really help you understand the interaction between the two conditions and give you some really practical information about how to support behaviours ,” she said.

The resources, Deafness and dementia: Interpreting changes in behaviour, includes general information on dementia such as what is, the signs and causes plus several areas specific to the needs of people who are deaf.

Those topics include:

• communicating with people who are deaf and living with dementia
• understanding different behaviours
• common changes in behaviour experienced by people with dementia
• tips to communicate effectively
• tips to better understand and support people who are deaf and living with dementia.

The guide for care staff and healthcare professionals also provides information on how to support and engage a deaf person while undertaking activities.

The International Dementia Conference takes place as a virtual conference on 21 – 22 September.

Access the resources here.

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