As we age, so does our vision. It is not uncommon for older adults to experience some degree of vision loss, but significant changes can be a symptom of a more serious condition. The most common age-related eye conditions include cataracts, macular degeneration, retinopathy, and glaucoma. 
Other conditions that may develop include dry eyes, flashes of light, and low vision. Many of these conditions can be treated by a medical eye specialist, but it is important to get an early diagnosis. However, many people won’t experience symptoms, so regular periodic check-ups are important.
Caring for a senior loved one with declining vision brings some unique challenges. Taking the right approach with extra precautions is an important element in providing daily care:
Fall prevention. The risk of falls increases for all older adults but is of greater concern for those who are visually impaired or legally blind. Adding brighter bulbs to fixtures as well as adding more lighting in darker areas throughout the home is a simple first step. If your loved one has stairs, consider applying brightly colored tape at the ends of each stair as a boundary marker. Removing area rugs and flooring that might be slippery is also helpful to avoid tripping or falls. Rubber-soled shoes that fit snuggly are a much better choice than flip-flops or slippers.
Vision Aids. Technology is constantly advancing medicine and aids that can help elderly with declining vision. A variety of magnifiers and telescopes are available in many forms including hand-helds, clip-ons and glasses. Talking technology devices such as Alexa offer voice control, screen reader support, and skills such as braille lessons, audiobooks and news. Alexa can even identify an item that is held with its camera app.
Organization. An organized home is an easy but important way to help your elderly loved one with vision impairment. Reducing clutter that can cause tripping or falls and eliminating décor items that are a breakage risk should be a first step. Keeping important items such as a coffee maker in the same spot consistently also helps make daily life easier and tasks within reach.
Life Fulfillment. Most likely, you’ll need to adapt hobbies or activities that your loved one enjoys. Games, arts and crafts, music, and outdoor activities can still be enjoyed with a little adjustment. For example, some board games and card games offer special versions for the visually impaired. Dominos, for example, has a set with raised, extra-large dots. Music, books and even exercise can be accessed audibly through an app or device like Alexa. Gardening can be enjoyed in an accessible windowsill or small space close to a door.
Respite care is available for both you and your visually impaired loved one at BrightStar Care, so give us a call to find out more.
Other conditions that may develop include dry eyes, flashes of light, and low vision. Many of these conditions can be treated by a medical eye specialist, but it is important to get an early diagnosis. However, many people won’t experience symptoms, so regular periodic check-ups are important.
Caring for a senior loved one with declining vision brings some unique challenges. Taking the right approach with extra precautions is an important element in providing daily care:
Fall prevention. The risk of falls increases for all older adults but is of greater concern for those who are visually impaired or legally blind. Adding brighter bulbs to fixtures as well as adding more lighting in darker areas throughout the home is a simple first step. If your loved one has stairs, consider applying brightly colored tape at the ends of each stair as a boundary marker. Removing area rugs and flooring that might be slippery is also helpful to avoid tripping or falls. Rubber-soled shoes that fit snuggly are a much better choice than flip-flops or slippers.
Vision Aids. Technology is constantly advancing medicine and aids that can help elderly with declining vision. A variety of magnifiers and telescopes are available in many forms including hand-helds, clip-ons and glasses. Talking technology devices such as Alexa offer voice control, screen reader support, and skills such as braille lessons, audiobooks and news. Alexa can even identify an item that is held with its camera app.
Organization. An organized home is an easy but important way to help your elderly loved one with vision impairment. Reducing clutter that can cause tripping or falls and eliminating décor items that are a breakage risk should be a first step. Keeping important items such as a coffee maker in the same spot consistently also helps make daily life easier and tasks within reach.
Life Fulfillment. Most likely, you’ll need to adapt hobbies or activities that your loved one enjoys. Games, arts and crafts, music, and outdoor activities can still be enjoyed with a little adjustment. For example, some board games and card games offer special versions for the visually impaired. Dominos, for example, has a set with raised, extra-large dots. Music, books and even exercise can be accessed audibly through an app or device like Alexa. Gardening can be enjoyed in an accessible windowsill or small space close to a door.
Respite care is available for both you and your visually impaired loved one at BrightStar Care, so give us a call to find out more.