Staff are frustrated that the deaf resident does not take the nightly tablet on time.


The deaf resident was not told that their tablet was now next to them on their night table. Staff just rushed in and left the tablet on their table without letting them know.


Possible solution: Set up a system in where the staff can let them know that the tablet is ready for them.


What do you need to do?

Learn the sign for ‘tablet ready’ and be prepared to let them know - by flashing the light on and off, tapping gently on the shoulder or waving to get their attention.


Nursing homes and hostels with intercom access have had deaf residents who couldn’t get back inside.


Intercoms rely on people’s voices. Deaf residents can be stranded outside, and have to embarrass themselves by trying to ‘speak’ into the intercom.


Possible solutions:

Arrange a system where the resident can let someone know that they need to get back in, perhaps by sending a text message on a phone.

Replace the intercom with a video intercom, so the deaf resident can see who they are interacting with and can communicate.


What do you need to do?

Try to make sure the deaf resident is included by using the right technology.

Visiting the doctor without an interpreter and being assessed and sent off.


The problem here is that the deaf resident does not know what he or she has to do and whether the diagnosis is good or bad.


Possible solutions:

Get an Auslan interpreter using the NABS service by calling this free number 1800 24 69 45 (more about the NABS service in the interpreter section)


Read their notes; give them a brief summary, either by writing it in clear simple, English or sign if you can.


What do you need to do?

Try to support the deaf resident by giving them information either using basic Auslan or written notes.


These case studies are actual events.


case study one

case study two

case study three

Case studies of deaf residents in homes or hostels