Seniors over-60 often lose some of their vision. The senior’s vision loss impacts the family too. However, seniors can adjust to vision loss and live safely and independently. One-third of 65-year-olds have vision impairment. Seniors’ inability to conduct daily tasks due to visual loss is a big healthcare issue.
Causes of Vision Loss
The elderly are particularly affected by cataracts. Age increases cataract risk. Chronic disorders can also damage eyes. Diabetic retinopathy blinds elders.
Glaucoma damages optic nerves and vision. Like diabetic retinopathy, it causes blindness. AMD is another main cause of vision loss in adults over 65. Smoking, hypertension, and aging increase AMD risk.
Since vision influences practically every element of life, eye diseases like those above can severely impair a senior’s everyday life. Seniors with poor vision may withdraw, despair, or become inactive. Despite constraints, elderly can be active.
Understand the Eye Condition
Caregivers should learn the etiology of the vision impairment. Annual eye exams are recommended. The senior’s ophthalmologist will check for new or worsening eye issues. Early detection and treatment reduce damage.
Good Lighting
The senior should be well-lit and glare-free. Specialized lighting and bulbs increase contrast and reduce glare. Reading, needlework, and card games require task illumination.
Organize Home
Low-vision elderly benefit from domestic organization by caregivers. Locate objects. To help the senior find the TV remote, keys, and other small items, put them in the same basket.
Tactile and Visual Systems
Tactile and visual devices help seniors with limited vision navigate. Rubber bands or felt can mark items in tactile systems. Visual systems distinguish items with colored stickers.
Contrasting Colors
Seniors may struggle with cutting things like onions on white cutting boards. Use dark cutting boards for light-colored foods and vice versa. Select towels and bathmats that stand out against the walls.
Since visually impaired people have trouble seeing doorways and stairs that blend in, they can be dangerous. Paint door jambs a different color and use bright tape to mark step edges to increase safety.
Print Larger
Some daily articles have greater print. Checkbooks, calculators, calendars, senior-friendly smartphones, remote controls, clocks, watches, and playing cards have larger font or numerals. Low-vision seniors need magnified items.
Low vision supply providers sell magnifiers for things without larger print or numbers. Electronic magnification systems can be used to read invoices, books, make checks, see images, and do complex operations like filling an insulin syringe.
See a Low Vision Specialist
Low-vision specialists can tailor solutions for elders with vision impairment. Vision rehabilitation specialists help seniors find and use low vision equipment and provide mobility training.
Provide a Medical Alert System
If a low-vision elder falls and needs emergency care, a wearable medical alert system can save their life. Some systems detect falls. Independent older persons can relax with a medical alert system.
The Role of Caregivers
Caregivers must encourage seniors with eyesight issues. Encourage seniors to stay active and socialize. Take them out to enhance their confidence.
Caregivers may see seniors struggle due to impaired vision. Poor vision can lead to losing the phone or remote, spilling food or liquids, tripping, not recognizing people, calling the wrong number, or signing off on paper papers.
Contact St. Bernardine Home Care.
Your senior loved one may want to live independently despite eyesight loss. St. Bernardine Home Care’s outstanding home health care can greatly improve the senior’s safety and independence at home.
We provide excellent home care for elders, allowing them to age in place. Families feel better knowing a professional can help.