Report calls for joined-up approach to assessing and treating dementia and hearing loss

People with dementia and hearing problems are being failed by a lack of joined-up health and social care services, according to Action on Hearing Loss and University College London’s Deafness Cognition and Language Research Centre.

The two organisations want the NHS to “substantially improve” the quality of life of those living with the conditions and prevent the need for expensive residential care by introducing a joined-up approach to the assessment, diagnosis and management of both dementia and hearing loss.

Together they have produced a report called ‘Joining Up’ which also calls for a review of the National Dementia Strategy for England to ensure that funding is provided to meet the needs of people living with the conditions. They believe this would ensure timely diagnosis and reduce the risk of exacerbating dementia systems.

Paul Breckell, chief executive of Action on Hearing Loss, said: “Our new research reveals that not only would accessing digital hearing aids and community-based support help people with severe dementia to lead quality lives, but it would also deliver an annual saving of £28 million.

“Indeed there would be an additional significant savings for the taxpayer if the care for people with other long term conditions like Parkinson’s, cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes or sight loss took account of the hearing loss affecting many of these people.

“The National Dementia Strategy for England should acknowledge the essential need to manage hearing loss, which would help prevent exacerbating dementia symptoms and avoid subsequent acute hospital admissions or costly residential care support.”

Professor Benice Woll, from the Deafness Cognition and Language Research Centre, said: “This report demonstrates why ensuring that deaf people who have long term conditions have access to services that are designed appropriately to meet their needs makes clear financial sense.

“Relatively small investment in services, such as appropriate assessments delivered in sign language can prevent significant costs that occur as a result of late diagnosis, misdiagnosis or ineffective treatment plans.”