Balancing independence and safety: the challenge of supporting older people with dementia and sight loss.
BACKGROUND
dementia and visual impairment are common in older adults, and both conditions create a high risk of disability. Care professionals lack evidence on how best to support older adults with both conditions.


OBJECTIVE
the study investigated attitudes towards working with older adults with concurrent sight loss and dementia, the challenges involved and suggestions for service development.


METHODS
a qualitative study was conducted comprising 18 in-depth interviews and two focus groups with care professionals within mental health and low vision services.


RESULTS
care professionals were alert to the high levels of risk among patients with joint sight loss and dementia. In-depth interviews revealed that insufficient time and expertise can lead to an overcautious approach that prioritises the reduction of risk rather than the promotion of independence. Focus groups highlighted the role that joint working can play in supporting older adults' valued roles and activities. Barriers to joint working were identified alongside strategies to assist the process.


CONCLUSIONS
it is essential that care professionals and service providers acknowledge and respond to the complex needs of this population. Joint working was considered key to assessing risks and targeting interventions. The research workshop presented here provides a useful format for improving practice across inter-professional boundaries.
Lawrence
Vanessa
V
Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK. v.lawrence@iop.kcl.ac.uk <v.lawrence@iop.kcl.ac.uk>
Murray
Joanna
J
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017144:Focus Groups; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D012449:Safety; D019987:Persons with Visual Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*