“Aged care is more than wiping bums and giving medication” – A qualitative study of the sensory support care needs of older Australians with hearing and/or vision impairment

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First published online 19 June 2025.

Why this study was done

Older people with hearing and/or vision impairment can experience challenges in aged care settings, including communication difficulties, social isolation, and reduced independence. While many older Australians rely on aged care services, there is limited understanding of how well these services meet the needs of people living with sensory impairments. This study aimed to explore the experiences of older adults, carers, and aged care workers to better understand what support is needed.

What the study did

Researchers conducted interviews with older adults living with hearing and/or vision impairment, as well as carers and aged care staff. The study explored participants’ experiences with aged care services, including communication, daily support, social participation, and access to information and resources. The researchers analysed the interviews to identify common themes and challenges.

What the study found

The study found that older people with sensory impairments often experienced difficulties communicating with staff and accessing information in aged care settings. Many participants reported feeling socially isolated and believed their emotional and social needs were sometimes overlooked. Carers and aged care workers recognised the importance of providing better support but described barriers such as limited training, lack of time, and insufficient resources. Participants highlighted the need for more personalised care, improved communication strategies, greater awareness of sensory impairments, and increased access to assistive technologies and specialist services.

What this means

The findings suggest that aged care services need to better support older people living with hearing and vision impairment. Improving staff education, communication practices, and access to sensory support services may help older adults remain more independent, socially connected, and engaged in everyday life. The study highlights the importance of providing care that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing, rather than focusing only on basic care needs.


This study was conducted by: Dr. Melinda Toomey, Dr. Helen Gurteen, Ms. Bronwyn Franco, Ms. Lana Wilson, Dr. Marianne Coleman, Dr. Najwan El-Saifi, Dr. Yuanyuan Gu, Professor Chyrisse Heine, Dr. Lisa Keay, Dr. Sheela Kumaran, Dr. Sabrina Lenzen, Professor Iracema Leroi, Professor Carly J. Meyer, Dr. Leander Mitchell, Professor Nancy A. Pachana, Ms. Emma Scanlan, and Professor Piers Dawes. To read the full article, visit the journal.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone, and clarity, and approved by the author.

First published online 19 June 2025.

Why this study was done

Older people with hearing and/or vision impairment can experience challenges in aged care settings, including communication difficulties, social isolation, and reduced independence. While many older Australians rely on aged care services, there is limited understanding of how well these services meet the needs of people living with sensory impairments. This study aimed to explore the experiences of older adults, carers, and aged care workers to better understand what support is needed.

What the study did

Researchers conducted interviews with older adults living with hearing and/or vision impairment, as well as carers and aged care staff. The study explored participants’ experiences with aged care services, including communication, daily support, social participation, and access to information and resources. The researchers analysed the interviews to identify common themes and challenges.

What the study found

The study found that older people with sensory impairments often experienced difficulties communicating with staff and accessing information in aged care settings. Many participants reported feeling socially isolated and believed their emotional and social needs were sometimes overlooked. Carers and aged care workers recognised the importance of providing better support but described barriers such as limited training, lack of time, and insufficient resources. Participants highlighted the need for more personalised care, improved communication strategies, greater awareness of sensory impairments, and increased access to assistive technologies and specialist services.

What this means

The findings suggest that aged care services need to better support older people living with hearing and vision impairment. Improving staff education, communication practices, and access to sensory support services may help older adults remain more independent, socially connected, and engaged in everyday life. The study highlights the importance of providing care that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing, rather than focusing only on basic care needs.


This study was conducted by: Dr. Melinda Toomey, Dr. Helen Gurteen, Ms. Bronwyn Franco, Ms. Lana Wilson, Dr. Marianne Coleman, Dr. Najwan El-Saifi, Dr. Yuanyuan Gu, Professor Chyrisse Heine, Dr. Lisa Keay, Dr. Sheela Kumaran, Dr. Sabrina Lenzen, Professor Iracema Leroi, Professor Carly J. Meyer, Dr. Leander Mitchell, Professor Nancy A. Pachana, Ms. Emma Scanlan, and Professor Piers Dawes. To read the full article, visit the journal.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone, and clarity, and approved by the author.