Visual decline is common for seniors. However, it can be life-changing and devastating as we heavily rely on visual cues to accomplish everything we do throughout the day. If your loved one is experiencing this change in their life, there are actions you can take to ease this for them.
One way to help is to reach out to a reliable agency in Sherman Oaks that can provide your parent or other senior relative with trusted in-home care so they can have the additional support they need to an extent that allows them to feel comfortable. Read on for more ways you can make their everyday life easier.
What are the emotional effects of sight loss?
Some specialists compare the initial reaction to the stages of grief a person experiences after losing a loved one, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, each of them carrying different feelings. Helping your loved one understand these feelings can ease the fear they’re experiencing:
- Denial: The first response is usually disbelief and even after some time, this feeling can occur again and again.
- Anger: As denial and shock start to wear off, the senior may ask “why me?” and express strong feelings of anger. However, anger is a good way to direct the grief outward and move on.
- Bargaining: The feeling of helplessness can lead to despair, and out of desperation, they may try bargaining with others and themselves and make promises such as “I promise never to do X again.” or “If I get my vision back, I will be a better person.”
- Depression: They’ll feel sad and isolated and think that no one else would be able to understand their loss. These feelings can make them withdraw from their usual social life.
- Acceptance: Finally, a sense of hope begins to return. They’ll start feeling periods of optimism and acquiring new skills that will allow them to return to usual activities.
How to make life easier and safer for seniors with low vision?
It’s important for seniors to understand they can continue living a productive life. Here’s what you can do to help:
- Help them rebuild self-confidence.
- Try not to be overprotective.
- Encourage self-reliance.
- Recognize the progress they make.
- Let them know you’re always there if they need any help.
In addition, there are some practical ways to make their everyday life easier:
- Make sure they have proper lighting: A well-lit space with minimized glare can make all the difference and help them enjoy their usual activities. Consider some task lighting, under-cabinet lighting, and nightlights in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Keeping the lights on during day time is also a good idea.
- Minimize the risk of falling: Make sure you remove any trip hazards like electrical cords or throw rugs. You may also consider repositioning furniture.
- High-powered eyeglass lenses are very effective for magnifying any reading material. However, there are also many newspapers, magazines, and books available in large-print format.
- Audiobooks are an excellent choice for books that are more difficult to read.
- Make sure they regularly visit their ophthalmologist or optometrist to keep a check on their vision. Correcting vision issues combined with low-vision devices will help them better utilize their remaining vision.
Where in Sherman Oaks can I find reliable in-home care?
Learning to cope with vision loss can be less challenging with reliable assistance. A Better Way in Home Care is here to connect you with experienced and kind-hearted caregivers who can provide you or your loved one with compassionate support.
They have a wealth of experience in assisting seniors with hearing loss, fostering social connections, as well as encouraging seniors to embrace aging. Whether your home is in Sherman Oaks or across San Fernando Valley, you can count on their comprehensive care. Contact us today!
