Guidance for Seniors with Low Vision: Navigating Life with Ease
February is National Low Vision Awareness Month. Visiting Angels Appleton understands the challenges many older adults face as they age. These challenges become more difficult when low vision is added to the equation.
Low vision is a visual impairment that cannot be corrected through surgery, prescription medication, glasses, or contact lenses. The American Academy of Family Physicians estimates that one in three older adults has some form of vision-reducing eye disease by age 65. Low vision makes everyday tasks difficult, including reading, shopping, cooking, and driving. It also increases the risk of falls and social isolation for older adults with vision loss.
If you are a senior who has experienced vision loss over the years, Visiting Angels Appleton is here for you. We’ve put together a few practical tips and local resources to help you easily navigate life.
Re-Envision Your Home
If you suffer from low vision, it’s important that your home is set up so that it’s easy to navigate. Rearrange furniture to create clear pathways between rooms. Experiment with contrasting colors to highlight where each piece of furniture belongs. Spruce up sofas, chairs, and beds with vibrant throw pillows to identify their edges. Reduce the risk of falls by removing floor mats and other tripping hazards. The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Outagamie County offers resources and services for older adults and their caregivers including preparing the home and fall prevention.
Purchase Adaptive Equipment to Enhance Your Vision
Another practical tip for navigating life easily with low vision is to purchase adaptive equipment. There are several products on the market that can help seniors with low vision. From magnifying glasses to reading prisms, these tools offer greater visual support than standard eyeglasses. Older adults can also download apps for smartphones and tablets that can help them differentiate between clothing colors, recognize surrounding objects, and identify products while shopping. Such products can be purchased at places like the Sharper Vision Store, either online or in person.
Join a Support Group
Seniors with low vision can feel like they’re all alone, especially if their vision loss has meant giving up driving. It’s important that seniors stay connected to prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation. Support groups for adults with low vision provide a safe place for seniors to connect and receive emotional support. They’re also a great way for seniors to learn practical tips to manage life with low vision, as well as hear about new products and technologies available to improve daily life. The Appleton Visually Impaired Support Group meets monthly and welcomes new members. Visit their social media page to learn more about the group. You can also find a list of low vision support groups by county on the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired website.
Continue With Regular Eye Exams
The last practical tip to help seniors with low vision easily navigate life is to continue with regular eye exams. Regular eye exams allow your eye doctor to monitor your vision and make necessary adjustments according to your visual needs. It also allows you and your eye doctor to discuss a plan for your future. Your doctor may suggest vision rehabilitation that can help you recover some vision loss or prevent your vision loss from declining more rapidly. The Wisconsin Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired has more information about rehabilitation teaching and can refer you to a low vision therapist or optometrist.
In addition to these four practical tips, seniors with low vision can enhance their lives by partnering with Visiting Angels Appleton. We provide senior care at home that addresses a variety of care needs. Whether you need assistance maintaining your personal hygiene or want a caregiver to assist you as you run errands, we can help. Our professional caregivers are available around the clock, 24/7. We schedule care based on your needs, preferences, and routines so that your life isn’t disrupted simply because you need more help. We make it possible for seniors with low vision to remain safe, independent, and comfortable in their familiar surroundings. To learn more, please contact us by calling 920-944-8000.