A Residential Care Alternative for Elderly Deaf Persons

Greene, Albert W; Mosher-Ashley, Pearl M.

doi:10.3928/0098-9134-19970801-10

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…This finding indicates, following the suggestion by Drageset (2004) that frequent contacts with friends are related to low levels of social loneliness, that the studied group of older deaf sign language users does not experience social isolation, at least not in relation to their family or to the deaf community. Our results do not address, however, the frequently voiced concern that older deaf sign language users risk social exclusion from the hearing world (Harries & Bamford, 2001), leading to loneliness and social isolation, especially if they are in need of long-term care facilities and are obliged to live in an otherwise hearing environment (Green & Mosher-Ashley, 1997;Hutlock, 2004).…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 72%

Everyday activities and social contacts among older deaf sign language users: Relationships to health and well‐being

Werngren-Elgström

Brandt²,

Iwarsson

2006

Occupation Therapy Intl

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The purpose of this study was to describe the everyday activities and social contacts among older deaf sign language users, and to investigate relationships between these phenomena and the health and wellbeing within this group. The study population comprised deaf sign language users, 65 years or older, in Sweden. Data collection was based on interviews in sign language, including open-ended questions covering everyday activities and social contacts as well as self-rated instruments measuring aspects of health and subjective wellbeing. The results demonstrated that the group of participants was homogeneous in their productive and leisure activities, regardless of gender and age. The number of productive activities was related to all aspects of health, while the number of leisure activities was related to perceived health and subjective wellbeing. No significant relationship was found between aspects of health and subjective wellbeing and the frequency of social contacts with family/relatives or of visits at the deaf club meeting friends. It is concluded that the variety of activities at the deaf clubs are important for the subjective wellbeing of older deaf sign language users. Further research should investigate the importance and perceived value of the various activities at the deaf clubs. When evaluating the results of this study, the fact that the total number of participants was small, and the dropout rate was high, has to be borne in mind.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 72%

Everyday activities and social contacts among older deaf sign language users: Relationships to health and well‐being

Werngren-Elgström

Brandt²,

Iwarsson

2006

Occupation Therapy Intl

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“…Even simple conversations with nursing staff or assistance with bathing, dressing, or toileting become complicated when communication is impeded. Additionally, with limited access to other people who sign and an inability to communicate with other residents, isolation and depression are a substantial risk (Greene & Mosher-Ashley, 1997; Maddalena et al, 2012).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Individuals who are d/Deaf and aging cross demographic lines with a range of varying identities, including gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. When already marginalized groups intersect, the inequities become magnified (Greene & Mosher-Ashley, 1997). For mental health professionals, social justice issues related to intersectional identity and ongoing marginalization of groups such as this one are a pressing concern.…”

Section: Barriers Related To Being Both Deaf and Agingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Barriers to healthcare services and supports for signing deaf older adults.

Lesch¹,

Burcher²,

Wharton³

et al. 2019

Rehabilitation Psychology

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Objective: Although developmental stages and identity have been studied as part of aging, one category of both identity and biological difference that has received little attention in the medical and public health literature is that of older adults who were born deaf and/or who identify as part of the signing Deaf community. Research Method: Researchers conducted a systematic search of the literature for barriers to care access related to both aging and deafness. Results: Lack of cultural competence among providers, coupled with inconsistent access to interpreters in medical settings, puts deaf individuals at risk for treatment without adequate consent, or insufficient care due to communication barriers or misperceptions of expression or culture. Conclusions/Implications: Individuals may face unusual challenges, indicating a serious public health crisis on the horizon as the demographic of deaf older adults continues to grow. This paper will discuss what is known about the intersection of aging, Deaf culture, and health care access, and suggest policy and practice recommendations for the future. Impact and ImplicationsWith 60% of deaf Americans over the age of 65, barriers to care for members of the Deaf community who use ASL as their primary language are substantial and pose great risk to health and well-being. Health care providers often view deafness as pathology instead of with a patient-centered view of Deaf culture. Training is required in order to understand the unique health care needs and barriers to care with members of the Deaf community. Deaf older adults report lower subjective health status and demonstrate increased incidences of high-risk health concerns, including obesity, suicidal ideation, and history of intimate partner violence. Domains such as end-of-life care, long-term care, and mental health assessment pose particular risk as there are no validated tools for cognitive assessment in ASL and direct translation is challenging. Deaf older adults are at increased risk for depression, isolation, and erosion of their autonomy and personal agency.

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