Caring for a Parent with Vision Loss

Senior Care in Amagansett NY: Caring for a Parent with Vision Loss

Whether your parent has experienced sudden vision loss or the slow but steady decline of their vision over the years, the loss to both of you can bring up feelings of denial and sorrow. In most cases, with time, your parent will learn the coping skills they need to lead a productive life in spite of their loss. There are a few tips and techniques that you can use to help your parent adjust to this challenge.

Support Group

Know that you and your parent are not alone. There are nearly 3.5 million Americans over the age of 40 who have experienced some degree of vision loss. Obtaining the support and deriving information from those that have gone before you and are experiencing the same situation is invaluable to both you and your parent. Check with your local senior community center or Area Agency on Aging to find the support groups in your area.

Low Vision Services—Training and Rehabilitation

Your loved one will need a new skill set—ways to adapt that can keep them living as much of an independent life as possible. These services include adaptive living, orientation and the use of assistive devices. Low Vision Services also address mobility issues and ways to get out into the world and stay safe. This may include the use of a cane that designates their vision status. If part of your loved ones vision remains, whether peripheral or central, a rehabilitation expert will help them use what they have left to the best of their abilities. This service is invaluable to those with low vision and highly recommended. Information can be obtained at the American Foundation for the Blind.

Making the Home Safe

Making changes to their home to make it as safe as possible is paramount. For those that have some limited vision, be sure their home is well lit. Add lamps and other lighting and consider installing motion sensor lighting. Place extra light where your parent performs tasks and make sure that the stairs and porch are well lit. Reduce glare by putting in lampshades and installing mini-blinds. Place nightlights in key areas such as their bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.

Contrasting colors can help your loved one tremendously. This involves putting a contrasting color at the end of steps, on light switches, towels and towel racks, handrails and door frames. If stairs can no longer be navigated safely, consider installing a stair lift or moving their bedroom to the bottom floor.

Remove any tripping or slipping hazards such as throw rugs or furniture that is creating an obstacle. Remove clutter. Install a toilet raised seat as well as grab bars by the toilet and in the shower.  Make sure there is a place for everything and that everything has a place. In this way, your parent will not have to guess as to the location of everyday items.

Senior Care Provider

A senior care provider can assist your loved one with the everyday tasks of living. They can provide care in the areas of personal hygiene, light housekeeping, preparing meals and running errands. They can provide transportation and offer companionship, a vital component to the life of a senior facing vision loss.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional senior care in Amagansett, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.

Resources:

https://www.caregiver.org/vision-loss-and-blindness

http://www.afb.org/default.aspx