Many seniors often have issues with vision loss, which can significantly impact their everyday lives. Because of this, it is vital for loved ones and veterans care at home providers to assist seniors in navigating these changes and preserving their independence and standard of living. Loved ones can support seniors by monitoring the signs of vision loss, making the necessary changes in the home environment, and advocating prompt treatment.
Continue reading to learn more.
Understanding Common Senior Vision Loss Symptoms
It’s critical for loved ones to not only know the symptoms of vision loss but also to have the capability to monitor for changes. This can be difficult for many loved ones as they’re juggling multiple tasks at once. Adding elder care to the home can help ensure seniors have the extra support they need. They can watch for the following signs and symptoms and discuss concerns or changes with seniors and loved ones.
- Declining perceptiveness
- Difficulty reading – that wasn’t present previously
- Hazy or distorted vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Difficulty identifying faces or things
- Impaired night vision
Any changes in seniors’ visual ability should be addressed as soon as possible since early detection and management can significantly impact managing vision loss.
Pay Attention to Their Home Environment
The key to assisting seniors with vision loss and helping them remain independent and safe is creating an accessible home environment. Start by ensuring enough light in every space, utilizing bright, adjustable lighting fixtures, and reducing glare with drapes or blinds. Install handrails in bathrooms and along staircases to prevent falls, and emphasize furniture and step edges with contrasting colors. Additionally, to make it easier for seniors to navigate their environment, think about keeping things organized in a predictable and clutter-free way, labeling essential items, and using tactile markers.
Veterans Care at Home Helps With Daily Tasks
Veterans care at home providers can help seniors by assisting with their daily tasks, like reading their mail to them, helping them access audiobooks, setting up their pill organizers and ensuring proper management, and more. Seniors can use magnifying glasses, increase the text on things they read, and use other assistive technology devices like talking watches or screen readers. By incorporating support and technology, seniors gain continued independence, vital to their health and well-being.
Encouragement of Treatment and Support
Early action is essential regarding vision loss. Seniors should be encouraged to get regular eye exams and contact a doctor if they experience vision-related problems. Professionals in the field of eye care can provide diagnoses, recommend the best courses of action or corrective devices, and offer helpful advice on how to handle vision loss. Connecting seniors with support groups or organizations focusing on vision loss is also essential. These groups provide information, peer support, and counseling to help seniors adjust to their decreasing visual abilities.
Recognizing the emotional toll that vision loss takes on seniors is critical. Changing one’s perspective on the world might be intimidating and stressful. Being there for them emotionally and being patient and understanding is essential. Veterans care at home and loved ones can encourage open communication about their thoughts and feelings and assist them in looking into coping mechanisms for eyesight loss. Seniors get the tools to accept their abilities, adjust to change, and live happy, active lives when everyone is on the same page.
Source: https://www.agingcare.com/articles/making-life-easier-for-older-adults-with-low-vision-177792.htm
https://www.afb.org/aw/12/5/15937
https://agerrtc.washington.edu/info/factsheets/vision
If you or an aging loved one are considering Veterans Care at Home Services in Fort Sanders TN please contact the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (865) 539-5224
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Knoxville, Old City, Fort Sanders, Old Sevier, Edgewood, North Knoxville, Forest Heights, Sequoyah Hills, Knox County, and surrounding areas.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
- Setting Healthy Boundaries for Your Elderly Loved One - November 11, 2024
- Helping Seniors Age in Place - October 23, 2024
- Ways To Help Your Senior Parent Age In Place - October 7, 2024
