National Low Vision Awareness Month: Helpful Resources for Older Adults With Vision Loss
February is National Low Vision Awareness Month. Low vision is defined as visual impairments that are not able to be corrected through surgery, prescription medication, glasses, or contact lenses. It is estimated by the American Academy of Family Physicians that one in three older adults has some form of vision-reducing eye disease by the age of 65. Low vision greatly interferes with daily life, making it difficult to do things such as reading, shopping, or cooking. It also puts older adults at a higher risk for falls and social isolation.
February is National Low Vision Awareness Month. Visiting Angels South Elgin understands the challenges many older adults face as they age. These challenges only become more difficult when low vision is added to the equation. We want to help older adults with low vision thrive in the community. Below are a few local resources that serve the low-vision population to help older adults and their families.
Horizons for the Blind
Horizons for the Blind specializes in improving the quality of life for those who are blind or visually impaired. In addition to its gadget gallery, Horizons for the Blind sponsors the Weekenders, a social group for the blind, visually impaired, and sighted.
Bureau of Blind Services
The Bureau of Blind Services assists persons who are blind or visually impaired. They offer one-on-one assistance to empower and help the visually impaired reach their independent living goals. The Illinois Council for the Blind also assists visually impaired and blind persons. Their website includes additional resources that may be helpful to older adults.
Hadley
Hadley provides free workshops for older adults to help them adjust to vision loss. These workshops are available online or can be sent via mail in various versions.
Transportation
Low vision can cause older adults to lose their ability to drive. Ride in Kane provides curb-to-curb transportation for adults 65 years and older at an affordable cost.
Talking Books and Braille Service
Seniors with low vision can apply for the Talking Books and Braille Service (TBBS) program. TBBS provides audio books via mail or digital downloads to any Illinois resident who is unable to read. Participants can choose to receive a digital book talking machine, or download books directly to their smartphone or tablet.
Visiting Angels South Elgin Elderly Home Care Services
Visiting Angels South Elgin provides a comprehensive approach to home care that enables older adults to age in place, including those with low vision. Aging in place is defined as the desire to live at home during the aging process. Rather than moving to an assisted living facility, seniors can enjoy staying in their cherished homes while benefiting from our personalized care services. These services are available in Elgin and nearby towns, including Bartlett, Dundee, Geneva, Hanover Park, Huntley, St. Charles, Schaumburg, Streamwood, South Elgin, Hoffman Estates, Roselle, and West Chicago. We take pride in providing elderly adults with the high-quality care they need to cope with difficult age-related issues, such as vision impairment while remaining in their own homes. To learn more about how our home care services make aging in place possible, please contact us today by calling 847-429-0100.