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.
CONCLUSION: 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.