Hearing Healthcare in Long-Term Care Communities: A New Approach (Q4 2022) (TX-143-24-015)-Hearing Healthcare in Long-Term Care Communities: A New Approach (Q4 2022)

Hearing Healthcare in Long-Term Care Communities: A New Approach (Q4 2022) - Article

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The article discusses the importance of hearing healthcare in long-term care communities, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the increasing prevalence of hearing loss among the elderly population and its connection to cognitive issues. It mentions the common ownership of hearing aids among residents in elder care facilities but the lack of training among care partners on their care and maintenance. This information gap can negatively impact the mental and physical health of residents. The article emphasizes the need for innovation in how hearing care is provided to elders in these communities.<br /><br />The author shares personal experiences working with the elderly and witnessing the barriers they face in receiving regular hearing services. These barriers include limited transportation options, lack of access to care providers, and inadequate skills and resources among staff. The author also highlights the lack of priority given to hearing care in nursing homes, leading to outdated processes and underreported results. <br /><br />As a solution to these challenges, the author developed Hear Now, Mobile Hearing Solutions and Hear Now, Education Services. The former provides personalized on-site hearing aid maintenance and ear care for seniors with limited access to services, while the latter offers online educational resources and training for care partners in long-term care facilities. The goal is to empower care staff to provide effective hearing aid maintenance and support for residents.<br /><br />The article mentions the positive results that have been achieved through the author's approach to hearing care in long-term care communities. It also discusses the financial and regulatory benefits that these services can bring to facilities, as well as their potential to prevent citations for deficiencies.<br /><br />The article concludes by highlighting the expansion of the author's services nationwide through online education and training programs. The focus is on providing resources, support, and personalized care for seniors and underserved populations with hearing impairments. The author aims to bridge the gap in hearing healthcare services and empower caregivers to advocate for the hearing needs of the elderly and the developmentally disabled.

Keywords

hearing healthcare

long-term care communities

hearing loss

care partners

mental health

Hear Now

Mobile Hearing Solutions

Education Services

on-site maintenance

online education