Better Caregiving for Seniors With Low Vision

Just about all of us lose some of our crisp, clear vision as we age. However, about 2.9 million adults over the age of 40 in the U.S. have vision problems that can’t be further corrected by surgery or glasses. Low vision is the term to describe this problem.

Forty-five percent of the people with low vision have age-related macular degeneration, according to the National Eye Institute. Age-related macular degeneration is an eye problem that affects the back of the eye. Although vision loss can be slowed down by the medications available, it can’t be reversed. This is why some people with age-related macular degeneration experience low vision. Low vision may be more common as we get older, but it also can happen to anyone at any age. Low vision also could be associated with glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or an injury to the eye.

Life definitely can be harder if you have low vision or if you’re caring for someone who has it. The only real solution is learning to adjust to it and making the best use of assistive devices and community resources geared toward those with low vision. Here are some tips for better caregiving when someone has low vision.

1. Find out about low vision rehab in your area. Low vision rehabilitation is a formal program geared toward assessing a patient’s low vision and then setting realistic goals to help the patient see better. Goal examples could include reading on the computer or seeing the TV better. Low vision rehabilitation can include getting the patient familiar with assistive devices that can help them meet their treatment goals. Low vision rehab is frequently covered by Medicare. You can search for “low vision rehabilitation” online or ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist for their suggestions.

2. Get to know the assistive devices available for low vision. There are dozens of devices that help those with low vision to see better. From special magnifiers to large print books, these devices make life easier for those with low vision. We’re also fortunate nowadays to be able to use technology to our advantage—for example, changing the text size on a smartphone or computer so it’s easier to read.

3. Think beyond the eyes. Unfortunately, low vision is associated with higher rates of depression. That’s because if someone can’t see well, they may want to isolate themselves more, leading to a lack of social interaction. There’s also the frustration that comes from living less independently. Encourage your loved one with low vision to stay socially active. Or, take them to see friends and family and to special events that connect them with the community.

4. Examine the home to see what needs to be adjusted. From throw rugs to sharp corners, a home may present safety hazards to someone with low vision. Fortunately, there may be some easy fixes. The organization VisionAware, geared toward fostering independent living with vision loss, has several articles on modifying the home when someone has low vision. Here are a few simple suggestions from the articles:
Eliminate clutter that could cause someone to trip.
Use bright tape to indicate corners.
Avoid items that can easily move and pose a safety hazard, such as throw rugs or furniture on wheels.

Call Secure Aging to Find Out How We Can Help Seniors With Care Management
At Secure Aging in Bradenton, we transform the weight of the world into a sigh of relief for our senior clients and their concerned family members. The mission of Secure Aging is to protect and preserve our client’s independence and dignity through careful and thoughtful financial and care management. As our clients' age, it is their desire to remain independent and age with dignity. Our services protect our clients from talented con artists looking to exploit and deplete the financial resources of our vulnerable seniors. Secure Aging helps families in Manatee County and Sarasota County and in and around the communities of Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Myakka City, Palmetto, Parrish, and Sarasota. Call us at 941-761-9338, or visit us online at www.secureaging.com.

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