Low vision has many causes and can stop a person from being able to live fully independently without first making major adjustments to their living environment and how they engage with it. This could include getting in-home care services.
Low vision does not refer to complete blindness, but instead is defined by the type of vision that is either lost or severely damaged.
Different Types of Low Vision
- Vision that is constantly blurry or hazy, and is unable to clear up.
- Vision loss or distortion that affects the central area of vision.
- Vision loss or distortion that affects the outer edges of sight, such as the corners of the eye. It’s often referred to as peripheral vision.
- Not being able to see well enough to function and be safe at night or in low-light situations is often called night blindness.
Causes of Low Vision
Many things can lead to low vision. They can be sudden, such as a severe injury, or they can come on slowly, such as a progressive eye health issue. Common causes of low vision in the elderly include:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Age-related Macular Degeneration
- Diabetic Retinopathy
While getting older doesn’t cause low vision, many of the leading causes of low vision occur mostly in older adults, making low vision a hardship many older adults face. As a caregiver, you can take steps to help your elderly loved one live with low vision and still retain most of their independence, including getting in-home care services.
Four Steps Around the Home to Help Someone Who Has Low Vision
If your elderly loved one lives with you or still lives independently, you can take steps around the home to help them navigate the home safely despite their low vision. Here are four suggestions, but each person will have to evaluate what they struggle with most to know what changes they need to make.
#1 Add More Light
In almost all cases, more light can help someone with low vision see better around the home. Make sure all areas of the home can be well-lit whenever needed. This includes walk-in closets, hallways, and rooms without windows, such as garages, bathrooms, and basements.
In rooms that have windows, keep curtains open as much as possible during the day to let light in.
#2 Make Text Larger Everywhere
While most people will increase the size of text on their phone, consider relabeling many products to have easy-to-read labels. This can include all items in the pantry, the refrigerator, and the bathroom.
#3 Offer Assistive Devices
Depending on what is causing your loved one’s low vision, consider purchasing or installing appliances, tools, and other devices that are especially made for those with low vision.
# 4 Get Help For Your Elderly Loved One from In-Home Care Services
Your loved one may need transportation help from an in-home care provider, or have a visiting in-home care provider help them with trimming their hair, clipping their fingernails, or shaving. Any tasks that require seeing small items clearly could benefit from a trusted in-home care provider’s help.
In-home care providers can also provide companionship and comfort for those who cannot get out as much as they’d like due to their low vision.
Low vision may impact daily living, but these simple steps can ensure it doesn’t stop your loved one from living life to their fullest.
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care in Youngsville, LA, please contact the caring staff at BrightCare Homecare today. Call (337) 279-5466
BrightCare Homecare is a top provider of home care services in Lafayette, Youngsville, Broussard, New Iberia, Breaux Bridge, Carencro, Opelousas, Sunset, Crowley, Abbeville, Scott, Cecilia, Port Barre, Lota, and the surrounding areas.
Through a personalized care plan, BrightCare HomeCare provides the necessary services and care to cater to your unique personal and health needs. With us, we ensure around-the-clock services and supervision to help achieve optimum health and wellness.
We are a top provider of home care services in Lafayette, Youngsville, Broussard, New Iberia, Breaux Bridge, Carencro, Opelousas, Sunset, Crowley, Abbeville, Scott, Cecilia, Port Barre, Iota, and the surrounding areas.
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