The relationship between sensory impairment and home care client's received care time—A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between sensory impairment and home care client's received care time.

Design A cross-sectional multi-source study.

Methods Data from a self-reported staff survey on care time allocation were merged with registry data from the Resident Assessment Instrument registry (n = 1477). The data were collected during 1 week from 17 home care units in Finland in October 2021. The relationship between sensory impairment and clients received care time was examined using linear regression analyses.

Results The linear regression analyses showed that having vision impairment alone increased care time, while dual sensory impairment resulted in decreased received care time. Hearing impairment alone was not statistically significantly associated with care time.

Conclusion The holistic care need of home care clients with dual sensory impairment may not be adequate. To ensure equality and the individually tailored care of clients, further attention must be paid to clients with sensory impairments, especially those with dual sensory impairment. Furthermore, the competence of home care workers to encounter and communicate with clients with sensory impairment must be developed to support the holistic care.

Implications for the patient care The sensory impairments of home care clients must be identified in time and considered in care planning and encountering clients.

Impact As there is a risk that clients with dual sensory impairment are not able to fully express themselves, it is imperative that further attention is paid to clients with sensory impairments, to better understand and support this vulnerable group. Increased awareness and continuous education are needed to better identify and support home care clients with sensory impairment.

Reporting Method The study adheres to the STROBE reporting guidelines.

Patient or public contribution No patient or public contribution.