DEAFBLIND charity Sense has responded to the news that EastEnders actress June Brown is battling deafness — just months after admitting she is losing her sight.
The charity’s deputy chief executive, Richard Kramer, said:
“June Brown has highlighted an issue that is incredibly common in older people.
“There are currently 250,000 people aged over 70 with dual sensory loss in the UK, a figure that is set to rise to over half a million by 2030.
“People with sight and hearing loss may start to struggle with daily life and find it hard to get out and about.
“They may also find it difficult to hold a conversation or keep in touch. This leads to isolation.
“It is easy to assume that this is just a ‘part of getting older’ and that there is nothing that can be done.
“However, with the right support people with sight and hearing difficulties can continue to live active and independent lives.”
Sense has produced a digital booklet that helps explain what an older person is going through, how you can help and where to go for more support.
