Dual sensory loss can also make it difficult for people to communicate with healthcare professionals and access services. This can result in difficulties with self-management of conditions, having a healthy lifestyle and maintaining social relationships. In addition, an individual living with sight and hearing loss is more likely to suffer from a range of conditions including stroke,arthritis, heart disease and hypertension.

The ‘It All Adds Up’ guide offers a variety of information for primary healthcare staff on identifying and supporting patients with dual sensory loss, including:

“NHS England welcomes the “It all adds up” guide as an invaluable tool to help primary care staff identify and support people with dual sensory loss. NHS England is committed to ensuring that patients receive information in formats they can understand and that they receive appropriate support to help them communicate”.

Richard Kramer, Deputy CEO at Sense said:

“With an increasing population of older patients with hearing and sight loss it is important to recognise the role healthcare staff play in identifying and supporting people with dual sensory loss to lead an active, independent and healthy life. This guide has been designed to help healthcare professionals reach that aim.”