Sensory needs (sight and hearing loss)

The Sensory Needs Service aims to support your independence and prevent or delay any need for care services, where possible.

Our service is for anyone with a clinically diagnosed sight and/or hearing loss/impairment. If you have not been diagnosed through the hospital Ophthalmology or Audiology services, visit your doctor in the first instance. You can speak to your optician if it is about your vision.

If you have a clinically diagnosed sensory loss/impairment and you want to know more about our service, see our handbooks below.

Having a sensory needs assessment

Our Sensory Needs team can carry out an assessment of needs based on your individual sensory loss/impairment.

The Sensory Needs assessment takes place in your home. We will come and chat with you about how your sensory impairment is impacting your day-to-day activities. We'll discuss ways of managing so that you can keep as much independence as possible. This might be through:

• learning new techniques or strategies to carry out tasks
• using simple equipment to overcome any barriers
• advice and tips which can give you confidence and help you to feel safe

If needed, we will also discuss your mobility and care support needs. Where necessary, we can then make referrals to our long term care teams or Occupational Therapy services.

For more information, or to make a referral to our service, please contact the Sensory Needs team.

Sensory needs handbooks

We have produced two handbooks with information, advice and support to help you understand and manage your sensory loss:

• Managing with sight loss [569KB]
• Managing with deafness or hearing loss [602KB]

If you cannot use the documents, or need them in another format or translation, contact the Sensory Needs team.