Gerontological Nursing Interventions Research Center (GNIRC)

Title: Improving Quality of Life for Sensory Impaired LTC Elders
Principal Investigator: Pamela Cacchione, PhD, RN
Study Site: St. Louis University

Abstract
Vision and hearing impairments are common in long-term care (LTC) elders. Despite high prevalence rates, sensory impairments are poorly addressed leading to unnecessary dysfunction in cognitive, psychological, social and physical domains, contributing to poor health related quality of life (HRQoL). The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of an Individualized-Sensory Enhancement for the Elderly (I-SEE) intervention, in improving hearing and visual function, cognition, depression, social engagement, physical function, and HRQoL. This study is a repeated measures 2 group usual (UC) control group and I-SEE intervention group design. One 120-bed LTC facility will be used, once for the UC (n=10) and once for the I-SEE (n=10) for a total of 20 sensory impaired participants. Baseline screening includes a nursing evaluation for vision and hearing impairment, cognitive status, depression, social engagement, physical performance and HRQoL. The UC receives 16 weeks of social visits three times a week. The I-SEE receives visits three times a week for 16 weeks to implement the I-SEE intervention to address sensory impairments (nursing assessments, actions and referrals). The I-SEE intervention includes goal setting with the participant, basic nursing assessments and actions such as assessing for cerumen, cleaning eyeglasses and hearing aids, removing cerumen from ears, amplification, magnification, an activity box with sensory stimulating music, videos and large print materials; and referrals to specialists to address cataracts, low vision and hearing impairment. Baseline measures are reevaluated in the I-SEE and UC groups at 8 weeks and 16 weeks and will be analyzed using RM ANCOVA.