5 Ways to Help Visually-Impaired Seniors

5 Ways to Help Visually-Impaired Seniors

Vision loss and impairment is a common ailment as our loved one’s age, and it can come with increased safety risks, difficulties, frustration and sadness as they struggle to do things that used to come easily for them. If you have a senior loved one struggling with vision loss, there are ways to help them stay safe, cope with their new reality and still enjoy life. At Home Personal Care shares these tips for you to try now, but also has many others and can provide individual assistance to help your visually-impaired senior family and friends.

1. Remove Trip and Fall Hazards Around the House

Rugs, cords, furniture, etc. can cause trip and fall hazards for anybody, but especially for loved ones struggling with vision loss. Go around the home and clear as many of these dangers as possible, as trips and falls can cause serious injury and even fatalities. Make sure all electrical cords are tucked and secured against walls and away from main walkways. Remove extra rugs to prevent trips. You can also add non-stick coatings to floor tiles in the kitchens and bathrooms to keep them from getting slippery without the use of rugs. Arrange furniture so that it does not interrupt walking areas.

2. Enhance Lighting and Visibility

If your loved one is suffering with a visual impairment, but still has some vision, increasing wattage in the lighting around the house, particularly in darker areas, can really help. Consider installing focused lighting and strong nightlights that can point the way at night, particularly between the bedroom and bathroom.

Also consider glare issues. People with vision loss who still have some level of sight can struggle if the lighting glares off of objects. Consider window coatings and light placement that reduces glare.

3. Don’t Change Everything

Sometimes over-organizing your loved one’s home to make it easier for them if they’re struggling with vision impairment can backfire. If your loved one’s memory is still in great shape, they probably know where their most commonly-used items have been kept for years, so don’t move them around to new areas if they don’t pose a safety risk where they currently are. Always involve them in any new organizing decisions.

4. Safety on the Stairs

If general mobility is still good for your loved one, and they don’t otherwise have trouble with stairs except for vision issues, it’s critical to ensure that stairs are non-slip and as easy to see as possible. Consider applying reflective or neon-colored tape to the edges of each stair to enhance visibility and make sure the lighting on stairways is strong, but not glaring. Make sure that the railing is also in good repair for a good grip.

5. Consider Vision Aids

Help your loved one discover the numerous vision aids available to help them enjoy their favorite activities as long as possible. Large-print books and publications, audio books or English descriptive services on most movies can help them enjoy the reading and entertainment they’ve always enjoyed.

In-Home Elder Care for Visual Impairment

Help your loved one continue receiving regular care from their vision care doctor to slow or correct as many vision problems as possible. Keep in mind that if your loved one’s vision continues to deteriorate, you may need to help more with cooking, cleaning, shopping and other daily tasks. But you are not alone. At Home Personal Care’s in-home elder care team is especially trained to help seniors with visual impairments and can help reduce the stress and improve quality of life for you and your loved one.

Call and talk with us about your needs today at (703) 330-2323. 

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