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
- Prof Christopher Armitage, The University of Manchester
- Prof Piers Dawes, The University of Manchester
- Prof Iracema Leroi, The University of Manchester
- Dr Rebecca Millman, The University of Manchester
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
- Cross, H., Dawes, P., Hooper, E., Armitage, C. J., Leroi, I., & Millman, R. E. (2021). Effectiveness of Hearing Rehabilitation for Care Home Residents with Dementia: A Systematic Review. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. 23(3), 450-460.
Contact details
Email: Hannah.cross-3@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk
Twitter: @_HannahCross