Low vision is a type of vision loss that you might not have heard much about.

At first, it might just seem to your senior as if things are a little bit darker around her. In fact, low vision can come on so gradually that it can take a long time for your elderly family member to realize that something isn’t quite right with her vision.

Low Vision Defined

Low vision is a particular type of vision loss that affects your senior’s ability to do normal everyday activities. Unlike other types of vision changes, corrective lenses and surgery don’t correct low vision. Your senior may find that she’s having trouble differentiating colors, reading, and even recognizing the faces of people that she’s known for years. It can be a very frustrating condition if your senior doesn’t know what’s happening.

Her Eye Doctor Can Test for Low Vision

Your senior’s eye doctor may be able to detect low vision before she even notices symptoms. Testing for low vision is done through a dilated eye exam. Once diagnosed, though, there really isn’t anything that her eye doctor can do to reverse the problem. If it’s related to other eye issues, those may be treatable, but the low vision will remain an issue.

She May Need Assistive Tools

There are more and more assistive tools for vision these days, which is good news. Audiobooks as well as spoken-text apps and programs for computer use are more widespread than ever. Your elderly family member may also benefit from increasing the lighting in her home and using magnifying aids whenever possible. As her low vision worsens, some of these tools may not work as well, though.

She May Need Other Help, Too

It’s very possible that low vision creates some big changes in your senior’s life. She may find that eventually, she can’t see well enough to drive, for instance, or that cooking and other household tasks become difficult. This may be when she becomes more open to the idea of having home care providers offering assistance on a regular basis. They can help her to get things done as safely as possible, while also offering a reassuring presence.

Low vision is something that your elderly family member can live with, but it may cause her to lose her ability to do some of the things that she loves to do. Finding other hobbies that she loves can help quite a bit.

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 Elder Care in Johns Creek, GA, and surrounding areas. Call (770) 965.4004 for more information.

We provide home care in  Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.

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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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