Sensory Impairment: Factor X in Providing Nursing Care to the Older

Abstract

The sensory system of the older adult is particularly vulnerable to change with aging. Vision, hearing, smell, and taste all undergo subtle and not so subtle changes that affect both perception and the ability to respond to environmental stimuli. When further complicated by acute or chronic illness, sensory alterations can affect successful nursing management. For example, if the ability to communicate is impaired, receptivity to teaching by the nurse will be diminished; reduced mobility may result from an altered sense of position caused by visual deficits. Sensory system alterations may result in sensory distortion if not sensory deprivation. Fear, anxiety, and even confusion may be further unanticipated consequences adversely affecting nursing care. Knowledge of the commonly occurring sensory changes for the older adult and the subsequent ability to design appropriate intervention strategies can effectively promote patient well-being. The purpose of this article is to describe changes affecting the sensory system and discuss assessment and intervention strategies.