With aging often comes big changes that have far-reaching effects, like reduced vision. Those vision changes make it tougher for seniors to navigate daily activities on their own. As their vision continues to diminish, seniors are more at risk of falling, becoming injured, and experiencing other challenges. All of these problems could make it impossible for seniors to age in place the way they want. The right safety habits and home care assistance can turn all of that around, however.
Improve Lighting
Lighting is a huge concern for aging adults. Often seniors don’t realize that the lighting in their homes isn’t adequate for their needs. Combined with vision changes, poor lighting makes the problem much worse. Installing motion-sensing lights and bumping up the wattage in light bulbs are two easy ways to improve lighting for seniors.
Declutter and Reorganize
Clutter is downright hazardous for seniors, especially when it becomes a tripping hazard. Keeping the house more organized can reduce clutter considerably. Sometimes what seniors need is simply to rearrange furniture and other items in their homes to create better flow. Home care providers can help with these changes and they can also help seniors stay on top of clutter to keep it from coming back.
Use Vision Friendly Tools and Aids
There are so many different types of vision assistance tools and aids. Large-print devices and electronics, magnifying tools, and talking devices all can help seniors to cope with their vision changes. Home care assistance can help seniors to find the right items to help them in their daily lives.
Improve Bathroom Safety
Bathroom safety is a big concern for so many reasons. When seniors experience vision changes, they may not be as able to avoid obstacles and prevent a fall in the bathroom. Elder care providers can help aging adults to add safety devices, like handrails and longer shower head hoses, that help them prevent injuries in the bathroom. They can also help with personal care tasks as seniors need more assistance with those tasks.
Mark Steps and Edges
The edges of rooms, rugs, and stairs can sometimes be difficult for seniors to distinguish as their vision changes. Marking these areas with bright, contrasting tape is an easy way to make them more visible. Home care providers can also accompany seniors any time they are using the stairs to keep them safer and more stable.
Encourage Regular Eye Exams
The biggest way to stay on top of vision changes is with regular eye exams. When seniors get to the eye doctor regularly, it’s easier for them to get the help they need to manage vision changes. If they can’t drive themselves, home care assistance can help them to get to these necessary appointments.
Living with reduced vision doesn’t have to mean that seniors lose independence or can’t age in place. With the help of home care assistance, seniors can keep living their lives on their own terms. It may require that they make some small changes and adapt some of their habits to prioritize safety as much as possible.
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 home care assistance in Oakwood, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.
We provide elder 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.
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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