Tips to Help Seniors with Low Vision Navigate Life
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 93 million adults in the U.S. are at high risk for serious vision loss. The CDC estimates that there are about 12 million adults over the age of 40 living with visual impairments, including one million who are blind. Most older adults have experienced changes in their vision as they age. However, unlike the changes that also occur in other senses, such as hearing, smell, or taste, many seniors find it most difficult to adapt to a declining eyesight.
Seniors with low vision know firsthand the significant impact their declining eyesight has on their everyday functional life. Low vision can also affect a senior’s emotional and mental health as well, as their eyesight causes them to withdraw from their favorite activities and social events. Fortunately, there are ways to help make life easier for an older adult living with low vision. If you are a senior with low vision or concerned about an aging relative struggling with their eyesight, here are a few tips to help you navigate life.
Minimize Fall Risks
Seniors with low vision have an increased risk for falls. Their declining eyesight makes it more challenging to see potential fall hazards, such as an extension cord or decorative object. The first tip involves minimizing fall risks in the home. Remove throw rugs in the home and ensure all walking paths are free of clutter. Secure loose floorboards, carpeting, and extension cords that can’t be tucked away. Add contrasting colors where possible, so that the person with low vision can clearly distinguish between the floor and sofa, especially if the colors are similar. Rearrange furniture where necessary and orient your loved one to the new arrangement.
Enhance Home Organization
It can be easy for any older adult to misplace car keys, the remote control, glasses, or an electronic device. When you add low vision to the mix, finding these common objects can become extremely challenging. The next tip is to enhance the way your home is organized. Designate certain spots in the home for commonly used objects, such as the remote control, reading glasses, or car keys. Use baskets to store certain items together. Develop the habit of always returning objects to their assigned spot.
Improve Lighting in the Home
Proper lighting in the home can significantly help a senior with low vision perform daily tasks. Evaluate your home and see where you can make improvements. Ensure each room has appropriate lighting for the activities that take place in that room. For example, direct lighting is best for activities such as reading, playing a game, or completing a craft. Consider placing an arc lamp over a sofa or table where you do these sorts of activities. Install under-counter lighting to help you see better during meal preparation. See that hallways and stairs are adequately lit. Adjust lights inside so that they don’t create glare. Keep lights on during the daytime to help equalize lighting from both indoor and outdoor sources, especially during the winter months when daylight is short.
Purchase Optical Aids
The last tip is to purchase optical aids or devices to help with daily activities. Hand-held magnifiers are relatively inexpensive and can be placed throughout the home. Stand magnifiers rest above an object you want to look at and can be helpful for hobbyists. Some devices, such as remote controls or calculators, are made with larger print and/or buttons that make it easier for a person with low vision to use. Consider installing smart devices throughout the home, such as a thermostat, outlet, light switch, or speaker. These devices can be activated through voice, making everyday life much easier for a senior with low vision.
Another tip to help seniors with low vision navigate life is to partner with Visiting Angels Fond du Lac. We have earned an outstanding reputation as top tier provider of elderly care services and we are known for our focused care. With us, you are not just a number. You remain an individual with unique needs and desires. Most importantly, we make it possible for you to remain in your own, familiar environment. Getting started is easy. Please contact us today by calling 920-375-5555 to schedule your no-cost senior care consultation today.