Swedish model shows how sign language care teams transform elderly deaf support
A Swedish nongovernmental organization deployed mobile care teams of deaf nurses fluent in sign language to serve elderly deaf adults, dramatically improving communication, reducing isolation, and increasing independence. The model demonstrates how language-matched care delivery can address a neglected population segment and offers a blueprint for other countries facing similar accessibility gaps.
Originaltitel: Deaf older adults' experiences of support from a mobile old-age care team providing support in Swedish sign language
<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>To address communication barriers, minimise social isolation, prevent psychosocial illness and increase the independence of Deaf older adults, a mobile care team consisting of Deaf assistant nurses using sign language was initiated and developed by a nongovernmental organisation in a region in southern Sweden.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To describe Deaf older adults’ experiences receiving support from an NGO-initiated mobile old-age care team for Deaf and sign language-speaking older adults in Sweden.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A series of 15 individual interviews with four Deaf older adults were analysed via content analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Support from the mobile care team was appreciated, as illustrated by the following categories: <em>support in everyday activities</em>,<em> communication supported and enabled </em>and<em> support for psychosocial well-being</em>. The care team facilitated communication using sign language. For example, they enabled in-depth communication and information sharing and supported older adults in expressing opinions and thoughts to authorities and regular care staff. Increased communication supported psychosocial well-being, independence, and feelings of safety.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A sign language mobile care team that is well familiar with Deafness as a culture rather than a hearing disability is highly valued by Deaf older adults in need of home or residential care later in life. It also shows that access to a sign language mobile care team leads to increased psychological wellbeing and happiness among Deaf older adults, as well as to their increased participation in decision-making concerning various aspects of their lives.</p>