Vision Blindness – Coping Tips

Delay could cause permanent vision damage. Any type of vision blindness, even moderate, can also result in tripping, falling, serious injury, even hospitalization. Monitoring vision blindness are key to good elderly health care.
When any loss of vision is confirmed, it is important to immediately assess the living environment and make necessary modifications for elderly safety. It is equally crucial to make sure elderly people have input as to what changes will be made in their home. It is important that the elderly person feel and become as independent as safely possible.

Remember, vision blindness can cause frustration, confusion, and anger. Patience is important. See the ideas below to help your loved one deal with loss of vision. Safety, of course, is of upmost importance in their routines.

Safety Tips

• Re-arrange furniture to making walking and finding things easier.
• Clear out clutter and unnecessary items on the floors.
• Cleared paths should be made in each room, and from room to room.
• Paint doorways another color than the walls to make them stand out.
• Remove area rugs they could trip on.
• Heavy carpet may also need to be removed or replaced. Flat carpet and flooring is easier to walk on. Elderly people tend to trip as they age anyway, but loss of vision, and especially any one of the causes of blindness, adds to the problem.
• You will need to assess whether it is safe for your elderly loved one to still climb stairs. If so, mark the edges of the steps with contrasting paint or tape.
• Program their phone for commonly dialed numbers at the touch of a button.
• Get an emergency call device or pendant for them to wear – very important for loss of vision and elderly who deal with causes of blindness.
• Install grab bars near the toilet, and in the tub and shower, and perhaps by the bed.

There are a number of steps you can take to make daily tasks easier for those with moderate or serious loss of vision:

• Install extra lighting in the areas in which they read, sew or do hobbies.
• There are lights with adjustable arms that can be moved very close to their reading or work area.
• Also consider a lighted visor.
• If they work in the garage in evening hours, install additional lighting.
• Additional lighting can be installed in the kitchen, under cupboards, inside cupboards they use often, in pantries and other dark areas.
• Trash cans and wastebaskets should be of contrasting colors than their surroundings, like the floor, so they are easily identified. This helps with sanitation and ensures garbage and trash are put into the can, not accidentally missed, and thrown onto the floor.
• Re-arrange items in cupboards and the fridge, grouping by kind. Keep it consistent and in order, so the item can be recognized by its location, general shape, and/or color.
• Re-arrange the bathroom in similar ways.
• Also sort closets by types of clothing and color groups: casual, dressy, etc. Try to keep "outfits" together.
• Organize drawers -- socks, undergarments, t-shirts, pj's, all in consistent places.
• Simplify clothing choices -- i.e., all of the same kind of socks so they can always be matched. Many elderly with loss of vision are less concerned with being "fashionistas" then they are with looking clean and being nicely, but basically, dressed. For special occasions, a friend or family member can help with clothing selection.
• Many elderly prefer shoes with velcro closures, rather than tie shoes. Sometimes a slip-on does not offer them the support they need. Nor do they stay on as well or provide "grip" when walking. Shoe fit and comfort are crucial, since getting around now is a new challenge.
• Talk to a professional about large-print and large-numbered products for the blind. There are a number of excellent products for the blind for everyday use available on the market.
• Putting raised, adhesive-backed vinyl buttons onto certain numbers of the phone, microwave, TV control, etc., will help identify by feel. These are all excellent products for the blind.
• Some with loss of vision are able to use a large-print cell phone.

The causes of blindness and loss of vision are an alarming experience. It is natural for your elderly loved one to become very stressed, upset, and possibly depressed. Vision blindness is a bona fide loss. And with loss comes a period of grief and an actual mourning process.

Check into church and community resources that can help elderly people cope with their loss. Many grief support groups welcome members grieving any type of loss in their lives, including loss of vision.

There are also national, state and county agencies that offer assistance and information regarding the causes of blindness and loss of vision -- often free. Large-print items, reading materials, books on tape and special recorders and other products for the blind can be obtained, sometimes for free. Counseling and loss of vision rehabilitation may also be offered.

They can be taught how to train other senses like hearing and touch, how to cook safely, tips for cleaning, and how to get around in their home or yard. Some walking aids may also be available.

All of the above will increase independence, self-confidence and acceptance. Remember, to qualify, elderly need not have total vision blindness – just experiencing problematic loss of vision. See the “Links” section of our website for assistance.

An eye specialist recently remarked to me that with the aging of baby boomers, researchers are practically tripping over themselves to find solutions to causes of vision blindness and impairment. And also develop helpful products. Loss of vision research has become a big priority.

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