Impact of COVID-19 on Health and Rehabilitation Care For Older Adults With Dual Sensory Loss

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: To explore the barriers to health and rehabilitation care for older Canadians with concurrent hearing and vision loss (dual sensory loss/DSL) during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: A mixed-methods study design was employed to explore and integrate the perspectives of older Canadians with DSL, their caregivers who accompany them on clinical visits, and their health and rehabilitation care providers. Data were generated from qualitative interviews with 32 older Canadians with DSL and 32 caregivers, and through an online survey with 228 health and rehabilitation care providers. Various accessible modes of communication were used to conduct interviews with older adults with DSL. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data, whereas descriptive statistics were used for quantitative survey data. SETTING: Health and rehabilitation care settings in Canada. PARTICIPANTS: 32 older Canadians with DSL, 32 caregivers, and 228 health and rehabilitation care providers (HRCPs) in Canada. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. It was an exploratory study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Access to health and rehabilitation care during the pandemic. RESULTS: Results highlighted that having DSL, at a time of pandemic-related regulations, increased the adverse consequences on their healthcare experiences. Identified barriers in care delivery were challenges in communication and identification of DSL due to use of masks and personal protective equipment, lack of training on DSL-specific care among HRCPs, lack of time and limited support to overcome communication difficulties for older adults with DSL, difficulty using technologies for tele/virtual health approaches for older adults, and restrictions in caregiver accompaniment. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight that the pandemic heightened the health inequities for this vulnerable group as experienced by older adults with DSL and their caregivers. The telehealth model of care that is currently being used overlooks the accessibility and communication needs of older adults with DSL. Training of HRCPs and informal caregivers on DSL-specific communication and accessibility is critical to ensure equitable care for older adults with DSL. AUTHOR(S) DISCLOSURES: No conflict of interest to declare.