Low vision is very common for aging adults at the age of 60 years old and above. It is important to understand how aging adults can learn adaptive strategies with regards to living with vision impairment so that they can learn to cope and live independently. Visual impairment usually impacts not only the people suffering from the eye condition but also their families.
Signs of Vision Loss
Most eye conditions cause different degrees of visual impairment and may not have a major impact on a person’s life. It can get confusing as people with certain conditions may face challenges in doing a certain task but have no difficulty in doing another. It all depends on the severity and type of the eye condition. Below are some of the common signs that older adults might be encountering loss of vision:
- Wearing stained or mismatched clothing
- Unable to recognize people
- Tripping or stumbling on steps
- Dialing the wrong number on phone often
- Signing off the lines on documents
Diagnosis for Suspected Visual Impairment
If you suspect that you or your loved ones are suffering from visual impairment, the first step is to approach an ophthalmologist for a dilated exam. You can then work towards understanding the condition, the impact on safety and independence, and the functional implications. Help such as assisted living is always available for your or your ones with visual impairment, and even one who suffers from total blindness can learn different adaptive techniques to live independently.
Practical Tips for Independence and Safety
Most people with visual impairment will feel that they are a burden to their families, especially for older adults. Even as additional help might be needed, it does not mean that people with visual impairment are not able to actively contribute to their own well-being and the home. With the right tools and training, older adults who suffer from visual impairment can still be an active part of their daily household responsibilities. Some practical adaptations include:
- Getting things organized
Getting well-organized is the most important thing for older adults who suffer from visual impairment. Everything must be placed in specific locations so that it can be easily found. This can prevent spending a lot of time searching for items in possible places.
- Lighting
Depending on individuals, select the type of lighting that most suits their needs.
- Markings and Labeling
A small rubber band can be placed on body wash if it feels or looks the same as the shampoo. A bright-colored marking can be placed on certain numbers on the telephone. There is no right or wrong but just remember not to over mark or over the label. Attempt trial and error to find the perfect adaptations that work in your home.
Personalized Care Services
If you or your loved ones feel that additional care and support is needed when it comes to taking care of aging adults with visual impairment, you can turn to the assisted living services at Discovery Village At Naples. Personal care and support are provided to the community with their daily living activities. Dedicated and personalized services such as medication management, personal housekeeping and maintenance, showering, or bathing assistance, continence management, and many more are provided to the residents in the community. It is crucial to understand that you or your loved ones, as the individual suffering from visual impairment, will never be alone.
