How can I help a blind or visually impaired senior maintain independence?
While individual conditions affect eyesight differently, the following tips are an excellent starting point for helping a blind or visually impaired senior safely maintain their independence. Keep surroundings well-lit but be mindful of glare.
How can I help a loved one who's blind?
Learn about the best ways to assist a loved one who's blind, from helping the person develop a new organizational system to arranging the house in a way that's more accessible. Provide the person with information on organizations for the blind.
Are there any activities for the blind elderly?
When looking for activities for the blind elderly, it may seem like a there aren’t many to choose from. However, there are more than you would think. We’ve prepared a list with eight activities you can choose from if you need some ideas.
How do I choose the best senior living facility for blinds?
The most important aspect of securing a safe and comfortable living environment for seniors with vision loss include finding a facility with a highly trained staff that understands the needs of blind and visually impaired residents.
How can I help elderly blindness?
Tips and Products for Helping a Senior with Low VisionGood Lighting is Key. Keep surroundings well-lit but be mindful of glare. ... Take Steps to Minimize Fall Risks. ... Improve Household Organization. ... Embrace Contrasting Colors. ... Think Bigger. ... Work with a Low Vision Specialist.
What are some nursing interventions for a person who is blind?
Arrange her personal and self-care items within reach, as she directs you, or orient her to their placement. Identify and explain unfamiliar sounds, such as monitor alarms. When you help her walk, ask which side she prefers you on. Offer her your arm or elbow for her to grasp.
What is the management of blindness?
-Blindness due to nutritional defificiency: It can be addressed by dietary changes. -Visual impairment due to refractive error: It can be addressed by doing a refraction and providing appropriate spectacles. -Inflammatory and infectious causes of blindness can be treated with medication in the form of drops or pills.
What activities are there for a blind senior list 3 activities?
8 Great Activities for the Blind ElderlyListening to Music or Dancing. One of the easiest and most relaxing activities for the blind elderly would be listening to music. ... Exercise. ... Reading Stories and Listening to Audio Books. ... Playing With Pets. ... Movies. ... Board Games. ... Cooking for Your Grandchildren. ... Outdoor Activities.
What are the needs of a blind person?
Information needs (what information, where to obtain it, provision in suitable formats). Transport (public services, cost, environment). Education (mainstream, specialist, and further education institutions). Enablement (making the most of residual sight and encouraging independence).
How would you give a good direction to someone who is blind or has a low vision?
In these cases, give directions as clearly as possible. Words like “left” and “right” are most helpful, especially when the directions reflect the way the person who is blind or who has low vision is facing.
How do you feed a blind person?
Use solid foods, such as mashed potatoes, as a “buffer” or barrier to help push food onto your fork. You can also use a knife or a piece of bread as a buffer. The tip of your knife can also give you an indication of the size of the meat or any other food item that requires cutting.
Can a blind person get an eye transplant and see again?
There is no such thing as a whole-eye transplant. The optic nerve, which goes directly to the brain, cannot be transplanted; and this nerve is damaged for many people who are blind. The eye transplant would not work without also transplanting the optic nerve.
What can a visually impaired person do?
Apart from navigation, blind individuals can do pretty much everything a sighted person can; they can cook, put on make up and, simply, be independent. With the help of accessible technology or products, and their own will-power, blind people can be independent.
What crafts can a blind person do?
ARTS AND CRAFTS FOR POOR EYESIGHT (ACTIVITIES FOR THE BLIND ELDERLY AND THOSE WITH POOR EYESIGHT)Pottery. Pottery, using clay or salt dough or a similar material, is a great way to get creative with your hands. ... Jewellery Making/Bead work. ... Painting. ... Knitting. ... Other Useful Tips For Those With Poor Eyesight.
What kind of games can a blind person play?
A variety of games, such as computer or electronic games, are accessible with a screen reader or are self-voicing, and board games or card games are available in large print or with braille or tactile marks. A variety of basketballs with sounds.
What causes vision loss in people over 60?
Unfortunately, some people over 60 lose sight beyond the normal, age-related vision changes. Macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are among the eye health conditions that can lead to permanent vision loss in varying degrees and forms.
What is the name of the eye disease that affects the macula?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that affects the macula (the center of the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye) and causes central vision loss. Although small, the macula is the part of the retina that allows us to see fine detail and colors. Activities like reading, driving, watching TV ...
What causes a person's eyes to swell?
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that occurs in people with diabetes. It is the result of progressive damage to the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina. These damaged blood vessels leak blood and other fluids that cause retinal tissue to swell and cloud vision. The condition usually affects both eyes.
Why does retinal detachment occur?
Retinal detachment most often occurs spontaneously due to changes to the gel-like vitreous fluid that fills the back of the eye. Other causes include trauma to the eye or head, health problems like advanced diabetes, and inflammatory eye disorders. If not treated promptly, it can cause permanent vision loss.
What happens to your vision after you turn 60?
In the years after you turn 60, a number of eye diseases may develop that can change your vision permanently. The earlier these problems are detected and treated, the more likely you can retain good vision. The following are some vision disorders to be aware of:
Why is it important to have an eye exam?
People with diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure), or who are taking medications that have eye-related side effects, are at greatest risk for developing vision problems. Regular eye exams are even more important as you reach your senior years. The American Optometric Association recommends annual eye examinations for everyone over age 60. ...
How old do you have to be to get an eye exam?
The American Optometric Association recommends annual eye examinations for everyone over age 60. See your doctor of optometry immediately if you notice any changes in your vision.
What is the phone number for Eyecare America?
Fax: (415) 561-8567. Email: [email protected]. Web site: www.eyecareamerica.org/. EyeCare America provides referrals for disadvantaged individuals over 65 who do not have access to an ophthalmologist they have seen in the past. Eyeglasses, prescriptions, hospital services and fees of other medical professionals are not covered.
What is the National Eye Institute?
The National Eye Institute is a division of the National Institutes of Health. It collects and distributes information on prevention, detection, and treatment of eye disorders. Also has children’s eye health information.
What is the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging?
The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging's primary mission is to build the capacity of our members so they can help older adults and people with disabilities live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
What is the purpose of the American Council of the Blind?
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is a national membership organization whose purpose is to work toward independence, security, equality of opportunity, and improved quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people. Founded in 1961, ACB's members work through more than 70 state and special-interest affiliates to improve ...
When was the ACB founded?
Founded in 1961, ACB's members work through more than 70 state and special-interest affiliates to improve the well-being of all blind and visually impaired people. Provides information and referral, legislative and disability related advocacy, and publishes magazine, “The ACB Braille Forum,” in braille, large print, on digital cartridge, ...
What is assisted living for blind people?
Assisted living facilities for the blind present options to the elderly and their families that can help keep seniors safe, happy and living as independently as possible— for as long as possible . Blindness and vision loss can make living alone and daily activities such as climbing stairs, preparing meals, handling bills and tackling chores ...
What insurance covers senior living?
Heath Insurance — While long term care insurance is designed to cover the bulk of expenses, certain health policies may cover certain senior living costs. Medicare— Basic coverage covers only medical expenses for seniors receiving care, but additional benefits may be available through the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly ( PACE ).
What are some good activities for blind people?
There are many dancefloor classics you can choose from for this activity. 2. Exercise . This one may come as a surprise to many of you. Regardless, exercise activities are among the healthiest activities for the blind elderly. Exercising helps to boost morale and to increase positivity.
What is the best physical activity for a visually impaired person?
At any age, but especially a more advanced age, walking is the best physical activity for your body. Baking an amazing cake for your grandchild or cooking a tasty fish with a salad is so much fun to do with your beloved ones. With a few kitchen tips for the visually impaired, you can compete with the top chefs! 8.
What are some activities for the blind?
We’ve prepared a list with six activities you can choose from if you need some ideas. 1. Listening to Music or Dancing. One of the easiest and most relaxing activities for the blind elderly would be listening to music. Music is something that can be enjoyed equally by all people who have no hearing loss.
What is the best game for the blind?
Therefore, the best options are a board or card game. Many board and card games have been adapted for the blind and visually impaired.
What to do when you are blind?
Going to a forest and breathing fresh air will renew your soul. There are some activities you will have so much fun doing, you won’t want to go back home. Hiking, practicing meditation , or picking flowers are just a few of the many outdoor activities perfect for blind old people.
What are some hobbies for older people?
Cooking is not only a simple everyday activity, but also a nice hobby for older people. You only need to go out and buy some groceries to prepare 5-star dishes. It will encourage you to leave your home and go for a short walk. At any age, but especially a more advanced age, walking is the best physical activity for your body. Baking an amazing cake for your grandchild or cooking a tasty fish with a salad is so much fun to do with your beloved ones. With a few kitchen tips for the visually impaired, you can compete with the top chefs!
Can blind people play with animals?
Petting furry animals and playing with them is something that blind people can enjoy just as much as everyone else. You may think that this activity is only relevant for pet owners. However, even people who do not own pets can facilitate this activity. There are petting zoos in almost every major city or town.
How to alert blind people to your presence?
1. Greet the person out loud. When you walk into a room where a blind person is waiting, saying something right away will alert them to your presence. Being quiet until you’re right next to the person might make them feel as though you just snuck up out of nowhere, which isn’t comfortable for anyone.
Why is it important to join organizations for blind people?
Joining organizations for blind people is an essential way to make the transition from sighted to blind. It helps to talk with other people who have been through the same thing and who have a lot to teach what changes to make.
How many blind people are there in the US?
The Department of Human Health and Services reports that 4.3 million people in the United States are blind or visually impaired. Many of us know blind people and want to be supportive, but aren’t quite sure how to behave in a way that’s helpful. Alerting the person when you walk in the room, asking how you can help and using language that’s not ...
How many people edit wikihow?
wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 12 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 105,368 times.
How to help someone sit down?
Help the person sit down, if needed. The best way to do this is to pull out a chair and place the person’s hands on the back of it, so they can be seated. As you do so, describe the height of the chair and which way it's facing. Don’t steer someone backward into a chair, since they could lose balance.
How to hold your arm when walking?
If the person has asked for assistance in walking from one place to another, offer your arm by touching their hand to the back of your arm, just above the elbow. This is a comfortable place for the person to hold your arm as you walk. When you start to move, walk a half step ahead, and at a moderate/slow pace.
Can blind people hear?
In a restaurant, for example, it's common for servers to ask the person seated next to a blind person if they would like more water, a menu, and so on. Blind people can hear just fine, and there's absolutely no reason not to address them as you would anyone else.
What are some ways to keep your skin looking bright?
The Not-So-Good News: Wrinkles and lines are more plentiful, but so are the options for keeping skin looking bright. Gentle exfoliation and moisturizing are especially important. Pick skin products with antioxidants and glycolic acid, which promote skin thickening and increase collagen production.
Why is my immune system not sensitive?
The Not-So-Good News: That less- aggressive immune response means you're more susceptible to getting sick.
What percentage of women are satisfied with their sex life?
Some 44 percent of women 68 through 80 report being very satisfied with their sex lives, compared with just 30 percent of women 55 to 68 years old. The Not-So-Good News: Sex-related hormones — estrogen and progesterone in women, testosterone in men — decline, and vaginal dryness may become more noticeable.
How to maintain senses as you age?
So stay away from loud noises, eat a well-balanced diet (which can help ward off such age-related eye disorders as macular degeneration) and see a doctor immediately if you notice that your senses of smell or taste diminish significantly. (This may indicate a sinus infection or be a reaction to medication.)
What happens if your eyes turn yellow?
It's just changes in the lenses in your eyes, which have started to yellow with age. If it gets too bad, you may need cataract surgery. About half of people ages 65 through 74 have cataracts; the number rises to more than 70 percent among those 75 or older.
How many women have osteoporosis?
The Not-So-Good News: About one in three women ages 75 through 85 has osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease, which greatly increases the risk of fractures of the hip and spine. Studies show strength training can build muscle, which can take force off the joints.
Is 70 years the happiest age?
The Good News: We're pretty happy. A recent AARP survey showed that of all the decades surveyed, the 70s tend to be some of the happiest years of your life. One explanation for the trend: years of experience. "As you get older, you know that bad times are going to pass," says Laura Carstensen, Ph.D., director of the Stanford Center on Longevity. "You also know that good times will pass, which makes those good times even more precious."
