In 2003, a study found that more than six million senior citizens had severe vision loss. Four age-related eye diseases stand out as leading causes of vision loss, they are:
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Cataracts
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Glaucoma
Senior Care in Estero FL: Senior’s Vision Loss
If your mom finds her vision is worsening, it’s time to take action. Here are the five steps you need to take to help her.
Schedule an Eye Exam
Make sure your mom sees an eye doctor. She will be tested for age-related eye diseases. Treatments can help slow the loss of vision, but some treatments can repair damage or stop the vision loss from worsening.
You should attend this appointment. Make sure you and your mom both have a chance to ask questions. Talk about her options for retaining or possibly improving her vision. You also need to ask if there are lifestyle changes she needs to make.
It May Be Time to Take Her Keys
If her eye doctor says she doesn’t meet the state guidelines for driving a car, take her keys away. Check your local laws to know for certain. In many states, if vision is worse than 20/40 or 20/50, a driver’s license will not be issued. Don’t let her convince you that she’s still okay to drive. If she continues to drive and causes an accident, the potential lawsuits and charges aren’t worth the risk.
Evaluate Her Home’s Layout
As your mom’s vision worsens, her home’s current layout may pose a safety issue. Rearrange furniture so that there are no obstacles that can cause her to trip or fall. She needs to be able to get from her bedroom to the bathroom, from the bathroom to the living room or family room, and from these rooms to the kitchen.
Make Sure Stairs Are Noticeable
If she has stairs, you may need to install a strip of traction tape or a gate at the top and bottom of stairs. When she reaches the strip, she’ll feel the difference in texture and know that a step up or down is coming up. You can also help with the transition by replacing carpeting at the top or bottom of stairs or in sunken living rooms using tiles or another distinctive change in flooring type.
Provide Support in Hallways, Bathrooms, and on Stairs
Grab bars in the hallway can help her navigate a long corridor without fear of falling. It’s worth paying for a rail to extend the length of a hallway wall. Stairs and bathrooms should also have rails and grab bars.
Your mom will need some help around the home as her vision worsens. Caregivers offer that help. They can make sure she safely walks from one room to another. Caregivers can help her up and down stairs. They can cook meals, help her in and out of the shower, and assist with light housework. Call a home care agency to discuss services that benefit your mom when she’s losing her vision.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Senior Care in Estero, FL, please contact the caring staff at Touched by An Angel Senior Care today. Call 239-215-8803 today.
Sources:
http://www.afb.org
About Toya Simmons, Owner and Founder
I know first hand that finding the right home care provider is not an easy task and can be overwhelming. I know the obstacles you face, having to watch a loved one struggle with day to day activities. I have always been passionate about helping and serving others. Being in the medical field and having over 19+ years experience in various settings, I understand that you have to be compassionate, have patience and understanding with this type of business. My vision is to raise the bar in-home care by focusing on the quality of care that we provide and to make life easier for the families and clients that we serve. When our clients are able to receive quality and reliable care at home they’re going to be happier, healthier, and safer there. It is a blessing to serve others and to make a difference in someone’s life, the smallest thing could mean so much to them in the long term.
I’m very involved and oversee the daily operations of this business from administration, the hiring process, training of caregivers, client relations, community outreach and creating customized care plans. Our hiring and training process is extensive, I’m committed to having only “the best” caregivers on our team. I want our caregivers to serve our clients with love and compassion, be actively engaged, and make every effort to improve the daily lives of our clients-physically, emotionally and intellectually. Our caregivers must possess the necessary heart, spirit, energy and personality for this position. My staff makes aging a less complicated process for you and your family. We’re dedicated to helping our clients remain where they want to be the most-at home.
When I’m not in the office my personal time is spent with my family, listening to worship music, cooking, reading and helping others.
