Elderly Care in Dacula GA

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve. As a result, the elder could become blind or have severe vision loss. Fortunately, this disease can be treated as long as it is diagnosed early on. In order to better care for your aging parent who may be at risk for glaucoma, it is important that you understand why so many seniors are at risk of developing the eye disease. Here are some of the most common reasons seniors may be getting glaucoma.

Risk Factors

If the elder has any of the following risk factors, they could have this disease.

• Over the age of 60
• African-American or Mexican heritage
• Family history of glaucoma
• Thinness of the cornea
• Abnormal optic nerve anatomy
• High eye pressure

African-Americans are at an especially high risk of contracting this disease. Some of the alarming statistics found from previous studies have shown:

• African-Americans between the ages of 45 and 64 are fifteen times more likely to become blind as a result of this disease.
• Five times more likely to take place in African-Americans than Caucasian adults.

If your aging parent is not immediately diagnosed with the disease, they are at an increased risk of losing their peripheral vision. By getting annual eye exams, you will not have to be concerned over the health of their eye.

The Dangers of Untreated Glaucoma

Whether your loved one is brushing off their glaucoma symptoms or does not want to get an eye exam, getting diagnosed early in the development of this eye disease could prevent blindness or vision loss from happening. When glaucoma is left untreated, the elder will eventually feel as though they are looking through a tunnel since their peripheral vision will be gone. As the disease progresses, the senior will be left with no vision.

Eye professionals can diagnose glaucoma easily through dilated pupils, but it is critical that your loved one attends annual appointments to catch the disease before it is too late. An elderly care provider may be needed to assist your loved one to these appointments by driving them and staying with them as they get their eye exam.

Testing

Two routine eye exams may be conducted to get a proper diagnosis of the disease. These eye exams are known as:

• Tonometry: This test studies the pressure in the inner eye. Drops may be used to numb the eye, followed by a special tool used to measure the pressure of the eye.
• Ophthalmology: The doctor may lead the elder to a dark room, where they will magnify the eye by using a tool known as an ophthalmoscope. This will allow the doctor to observe the color and shape of the optic nerve.

With this information and yearly eye exams, your loved one will have an increased chance of getting the treatment needed to manage their disease.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable elderly care in Dacula, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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