Long-Term Care

sensory deprivation

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, February 8, 2006

Senory deprivation often changes residents' behavior. This occurs because the changes affect self-image, social relationships, and the ability to function.

In many situations, CNAs can help residents with sensory loss alter their way of doing things to help ensure their safety and maintain their ability to function independently. This may involve teaching residents how to arrange their belongings so they can find them or obtaining mechanical devices to assist them.

Other helpful interventions include the following:

* Keeping furniture in the same place

* Clearly marking items such as doors and stairs

* Increasing light without increasing glare

* Providing eyeglasses or a magnifying glass

* Making large print books, magazines, and books on tape available

* Enlarging telephone dials

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