Hannah Cross

Title: Improving Quality of Life through Addressing Communication Needs for People Living in Residential Care with Dementia.

PhD summary

The majority of residents living in residential care homes have dementia and some degree of hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss among this population can lead to difficulties communicating, increased cognitive decline, exacerbated dementia-related symptoms such as agitation, and greater stress for caregivers. Providing hearing care for residents with dementia is vital however can be challenging.

This project aims to (i) investigate current methods of addressing the hearing needs of residents with dementia and the barriers to effective hearing support and (ii) develop an evidence-based hearing intervention suitable for those with dementia and the care home environment based on these findings.

Dates

January 2020 – December 2022

Funding

Alzheimer’s Society

Institution name

The University of Manchester

Supervisors

Discipline area

Dementia Care, Audiology

Short biography 

I graduated from the University of Bangor with a BSc in Neuropsychology and then the University of York with a MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience. Before starting my PhD, I worked in dementia care as a healthcare assistant, which made me passionate about researching social care and how we can best support people living with dementia.
I currently live in just outside of Manchester. When I am not working on my PhD, I like to spend time with my family and friends and go walking in the Cheshire countryside with my greyhound.

Publications

Contact details

Email: Hannah.cross-3@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk

Twitter: @_HannahCross