Vision changes occur as we grow older and cause many problems & constraints in seniors’ daily life. It’s important that seniors don’t let these changes overtaking their lifestyle and reduce their quality of life.

Based on our experience in providing senior home care services, Home Instead Senior Care Outer East have decided to put together some of our useful caregiving tips to help you take better care of your seniors who suffer from vision impairments.

Signs of Vision Loss

Many seniors are reluctant to discuss about their health condition or health concerns, especially vision problems. It’s up to you – their family member and/or caregiver – to observe the changes in their behaviours and identify whether they are suffering from vision loss or not. Here are some of the alarming signs:

• Begin or frequently bump into things
• Move hesitantly & comparatively closer to the wall than before
• Squinting or tilting their head to see
• Grope objects or touch them in an uncertain way
• Hold books or other reading materials close (or closer than before) to the face
• Having trouble identify faces, lettering on signs, etc.
• Asking for more or different lightning
• Saying that they keep seeing flashes of light, doubles, or halos and rings around lights
• Etc.

If you notice any of the signs above or other similar behaviours, have a talk with your loved ones and encourage them to get an eye exam as soon as possible.

Caring for Seniors with Vision Loss

• Make sure that their living areas are well lit and without glare
• Help them to avoid tripping & falling by applying lots of contrasting colours to ensure things like door trims, steps, light switches, etc. stand out
• Make sure that their spectacles & magnifying glasses are always carefully cleaned
• Ask them to refrain from moving furniture or furnishings as it can lead to disorientation and falls
• Remove/reduce potential hazards such as rugs, ottomans, and coffee tables at their place
• Install phones with oversized numbers
• Look for books with large sans-serif prints for them. Audiobooks is a recommended option that should be taken into consideration for seniors with vision loss.
• Offer your arm to support & guide seniors with poor vision when walking
• Give clear & concise directions when in unfamiliar surroundings, for example using clock dial analogy as reference for directions

If you have any problem taking care of your seniors, or want to know more about taking care of seniors with vision impairment, contact one of our friendly staffs at Home Instead Senior Care Outer East now by calling 03 9754 4861.

Thanks for reading through this Blog, I hope you have found it useful. If you require any further assistance please feel free to contact the office.

Kind regards,

Suzanne McLoughlin
Owner of Home Instead Senior Care Outer East

P.S. We provide free Care Consultations and resource guides to support and guide families. Download your free copies from our Aged Care Resources page or Request a Free Information Pack to receive a hard copy.