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Vision Loss Tips
By Ryan Mackey
Up to 30 percent of seniors today face
partial vision loss at the hands of macular
degeneration. The retina gradually declines with age in
macular degeneration, and impairs the vision used to
read and look into another person’s face. The macula,
which is the center of the retina, deteriorates to a
point that sight is restricted to the edges of the
retina only. Here are some helpful tips to alleviate the
problems a loved one may face if they are in a hospital
or a nursing home.
Tell a loved one to be up front about their vision loss
with any aides and hospital staff that may take for
granted their ability to see food, people, and hand
motions.
Make sure staff at the hospital or nursing home makes a
special note about a loved one’s reduced vision levels,
and does not merely describe their vision loss as
“glaucoma.”
Be understanding of the person’s capacity to see and do
certain tasks. If there is something they struggle with
such as writing their signature or reading small print,
make sure the doctors know ahead of time.
Make sure any visitors or staff members introduce
themselves to your loved one when they enter the room
instead of simply walking in the room and assuming they
have been recognized.
Ensure that the lighting in the loved one’s room is
sufficient enough for them to see as best as possible.
The stronger the light, the better chance the senior has
to see things clearly and make out certain images.
Have the staff at the hospital or nursing facility make
known the meals they bring in and arrange the meal so
the senior can adjust to an eating position.
Other vision conscious items such as large number
playing cards, books on tape, and large button phones
can assist the senior in making the adjustment to loss
of eyesight smoothly.
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