February is Low Vision Awareness Month: Ways to Help a Senior with Low Vision
There are 4.2 million Americans over the age of 40 who have low vision. A person who has low vision cannot regain their eyesight with surgery, medication, contact lenses, or eyeglasses. The loss is permanent and affects their ability to do everyday things like reading, driving, cooking, and shopping. Being unable to do these things causes them to lose some of their independence and may lead to anxiety and depression. Understanding vision loss and how to help your aging relative can improve their quality of life and reduce the psychological impact.
Causes of Low Vision
There are several conditions that can cause low vision in older adults. Some of them are:
Macular Degeneration: This condition affects a part of the retina called the macula, which is the part of the eye that allows for clear, sharp central vision. Macular degeneration makes vision blurry. Some people also experience a blind spot in their vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy: When a person has diabetes, it can cause extra tiny blood vessels to develop in the retina. These blood vessels can leak and interfere with vision.
Cataracts: Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, which means that light doesn’t reach the retina as easily, causing a general loss of vision.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma damages the optic nerve. It happens when pressure builds up in the eye because of problems with fluids draining or when the optic nerve isn’t receiving enough blood.
Helping a Senior with Low Vision
One way to help a senior with low vision to live a better life and continue to be as independent as possible is to hire senior care. There are many things a senior care provider can do to assist with daily activities, such as:
Ensuring the House is Well Lit: Keeping the house brightly lit can help a senior to better use the vision they have left. A senior care provider can help with this by turning on lamps and lights. They can also change light bulbs that have burned out.
Keeping the House Clutter-Free: A person with low vision is more likely to trip over items that are in the way. A senior care provider can keep the house tidy by picking up things left lying around and organizing messy areas.
Helping Them Stay Active: Being unable to see may cause a senior to become less active than they once were. A senior care provider can help them to continue being active by accompanying them on walks or driving them to fitness classes.
Reading: A senior care provider can read to the older adult. They can read mail, medication instructions, newspapers, and books to your aging relative.
Even with vision loss, your loved one can lead a full and happy life. A senior care provider can be an important part of their daily care. Senior care providers can ensure the older adult is able to remain safely at home, even when you cannot be there to help.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Caregiver in Headland, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.
Sources
https://www.enhancedvision.com
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