Vision and hearing impairments are highly prevalent conditions among older adults, and well-established links exist between sensory impairment and household, mobility, and self-care activity limitations. However, studies examining the impact of unmet long-term services and supports (LTSS) needs have not considered the role of vision and hearing impairment on the risk of experiencing adverse consequences, including wetting or soiling oneself.
Using Rounds 1 and 5 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study, a nationally-representative survey of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older, we examine the association of vision and hearing impairment on the odds of experiencing an adverse consequence while accounting for other socio-demographic and health status factors.
Among a weighted population of 49,770,947 community-living older adults with limitations in household, mobility, or self-care activities, 20.1% (95% CI: 19.2-21.0) experienced an adverse consequence as a result of unmet LTSS needs. In the full-adjusted regression, individuals with vision or hearing impairment had 96% (OR:1.96; 95% CI: 1.64-2.34) and 43% increased odds (OR:1.43; 95% CI: 1.24-1.65), respectively of experiencing any adverse consequence. Hearing impairment was associated with higher odds of household or self-care adverse consequences, while vision impairment was associated with higher odds of mobility or self-care adverse consequences.
Sensory impairment may increase the risk for adverse consequences for older adults with unmet LTSS needs. Activities that support older adults living safely in the community should consider the role of sensory impairment and how to address the unique needs of those with hearing or vision impairment.