Studies have shown that there are nearly 24 million people throughout the United States who are currently living with vision loss. A large percentage of these are over the age of 64. Loss of vision, ranging from mild loss to blindness, is one of the most common issues of older age, and as a family caregiver it is important that you are able to identify when your parent might be struggling with this change in their function so that they can make meaningful modifications to their lifestyle to help them maintain their independence and function, and stay safer as they age in place. It is important to note that vision often decreases very gradually, meaning your parent might not even notice that they are living with this diminished vision until the decrease is significant or has put them in a dangerous situation. Looking for the most subtle signs can help you to identify this loss earlier so that your parent can cope with it better.
Some signs that your senior might be dealing with loss of vision include:
- Your senior is squinting or narrowing their eyes more.
- They no longer participate in the types of activities that they always enjoyed but that might require precise vision, such as reading or needlework.
- They move items that they are trying to read closer to their face and then further away and then closer again trying to focus on the words.
- You notice that their clothing does not match in subtle ways, such as wearing one black sock and one navy blue sock.
- Them asking you to read items for them or to identify things more often.
- You notice that they seem to struggle to recognize even familiar faces from a distance.
- They have moved their chair closer to the television.
- If your parent still drives, you notice scrapes, dents, or other signs of damage that indicate that they have run into or scraped across other vehicles or objects.
If your aging parent’s challenges have increased, your schedule has become busier, or your personal limitations and challenges have come to the point that you no longer feel as though you can fulfill your loved one’s needs in the way that they deserve, now may be the ideal time for you to consider starting care for them. A home care provider can step in to fill any care gaps that might exist in your care routine with your loved one, ensuring that they get what they need to remain safe, healthy, happy, and comfortable as they age in place. Not only will this help your elderly parent maintain a higher quality of life and a more fulfilling lifestyle throughout your later years, but it can also give you greater peace of mind knowing that they are getting the care, assistance, support, and encouragement that they need. If you are facing challenges related to handling potentially sensitive or emotionally vulnerable tasks for your senior, a care provider can also be a neutral, respectful party to handle these tasks so that they are met effectively while maintaining your parent’s dignity and comfort.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a professional caregiver in Pacifica, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203
http://www.afb.org/info/blindness-statistics/adults/facts-and-figures/235
- Do You Need Help with Personal Care for Your Senior? - September 16, 2019
- Causes and Risk Factors for Shingles in the Elderly - September 12, 2019
- Five Reasons Your Senior Might Need a Daily Routine - September 5, 2019
