Helping a Visually Impaired Loved One

According to the American Foundation for the Blind, nearly 3.2 million Americans 65 and older live with a vision impairment. While some decline in vision is common with aging, some changes are serious signs of a more severe health concern. 

February is Low Vision Awareness Month. It's the perfect time to learn about vision impairments and how you can help a loved one stay safe at home. 

What is Vision Impairment 

Some people assume losing one's sight is a part of aging, but some vision changes are a sign of a more serious condition. Some of the most common causes for vision loss among older adults include:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)- AMD is a progressive eye condition that causes central vision loss. Symptoms include blurry vision, dark spots in the center of vision, and changes in color perception. It is the leading cause of permanent vision loss in people older than 60. 
• Cataracts- Cataracts are when the clear lens over the eye becomes cloudy. The condition develops slowly, and many people won't experience symptoms until later. The main symptom is blurry vision, but individuals may also experience fading colors, double vision in a single eye, light sensitivity, or increased difficulty with night vision. 
• Diabetic retinopathy- Older adults with diabetes may develop diabetic retinopathy, damaging the retina's blood vessels. It's generally caused by poor blood sugar and can cause floaters, blurriness, and dark areas of vision. If left untreated, it can cause blindness. 
• Glaucoma- Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions affecting the optic nerve. There are two main types of glaucoma; open-angle and acute angle-closure. Open-angle tends to cause blind spots in the peripheral and center of vision. Acute angle-closure glaucoma may cause headaches, eye pain, nausea, blurred vision, and eye redness. 

Tips for Helping the Visually Impaired 

If you have a visually impaired loved one, you want them to feel comfortable at home. Consider the following to reduce their chances of falling and keep them safe.

• Keep the house well lit. Make sure there are plenty of light sources throughout the home and that it's easy for your loved one to turn them on and off. You may also want to consider motion-sensor lights for hallways and bathrooms to make it easier to navigate, especially at night. 
• Declutter the house. Remove any unnecessary clutter from walkways and around corners to reduce your loved one's risk of falling. 
• Mark stairs and slopes through the home. If your loved one lives in a house with stairs, slopes, or other uneven floorings, mark those places with bright tape along the ledge so it's easy for them to see. 
• Help them learn about vision aid options. There are many vision aids available such as eyewear, magnifying glasses, screen readers, large print media, and more. 
• Encourage regular doctor visits. Ensure your loved one sees their optometrist or ophthalmologist so they're receiving proper treatment, especially if they have a progressive condition.

As a family caregiver assisting a visually impaired loved one, it's good to remember that not every visually impaired person needs the same level of assistance. Always practice good communication with your loved one and other visually impaired adults and ask what help they need. 

How Visiting Angels Can Help

If you have an aging loved one in your life with a vision impairment who needs help caring for themselves at home, the team at Visiting Angels can help. Our compassionate caregivers provide nonmedical assistance with tasks such as light housekeeping, medication reminders, personal grooming, meal preparation, transportation, and more. Our Cullman office serves Cullman, Etowah, Walker, Marshall, and Blount Counties. If you'd like to learn more about our services, you can complete this form online or call us at 256.734.6600.