Assisted Living for Visually Impaired Seniors

Many physical changes occur as a person ages – hearing loss, limited mobility, visual impairment, and many other changes. Research indicates that approximately 17% of adults over age 65 have some type of visual impairment. Among these are common elderly vision challenges such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration, which significantly affect their ability to perform daily tasks. Performing daily tasks becomes much more challenging as vision decreases, making it essential to get amazing assisted living for visually impaired seniors.

In a setting such as an assisted-living community, accommodations are available so that a senior can still be active and have a better quality of life. In our generation, technological advancements coupled with modifications within a home can make a home a safer place to live for an aging person than could be done many years ago.

For other seniors, however, transition into an assisted living community is the safest option. When a senior begins to experience physical changes related to aging such as visual deficits, an assisted living community can provide the assistance that is needed. With appropriate accommodations and supportive staff, a senior will actually have a greater sense of independence.

Increased Independence: Assisted Living for Visually Impaired Adults

For a person who is visually impaired, daily chores and activities can become overwhelming and unsafe. For example, the stairs in a multi-level home can be dangerous if the senior is attempting to carry items while climbing up or down the stairs. Cooking with a stove/oven, bathing, vacuuming, and other activities and chores can be much more difficult.

Outside of the home, the senior who can no longer see clearly is more dependent on others to transport them to medical appointments, shopping, and church.

Others also often help the senior become oriented to any new place that the senior has never visited. Examples include a new grocery store, restaurant, or mall. All assisted living communities are accessible; in other words, one-level or accessed by elevator if multi-level. This accessibility makes everyday living much safer.

A senior can live more independently in an assisted living community in the following ways:

• Nutritious meals and snacks are prepared to enhance health
• Assistance with personal care as needed, such as bathing, dressing, and mobility, where staff assist residents with these activities of daily living, ensuring their safety and promoting independence
• Assistance with household chores such as laundry and cleaning tasks
• Transportation is provided for social activities and medical appointments

A Better Quality of Life for Seniors with Visual Deficits

A senior with vision loss will have a higher quality of life in an assisted living community.  Seniors may have remained isolated in their homes due to embarrassment about their inability to groom and dress as well as in the past.  Seniors may have remained isolated due to having no rides to social events or religious activities. In an assisted living community, a senior is surrounded by other seniors who often have similar physical and cognitive challenges.

There can be less embarrassment and anxiety because of this sameness as new friendships are developed.  Whether it be formal activities such as meals or informal conversations with other residents, a senior who has been isolated can begin to reconnect with others. For blind seniors, the community ensures tailored care and amenities are provided, fostering a supportive environment that addresses their unique needs.

Key Considerations for Choosing Assisted Living Facilities for Vision-Impaired Seniors

When selecting an assisted living facility for a senior with vision impairment, it is vital to consider the following aspects to ensure their needs are adequately met. Many assisted living facilities offer a wide range of services and amenities specifically tailored to meet the needs of seniors with vision impairment, including visual rehabilitation therapy, low-vision therapists, orientation and mobility therapists, mental health support, and more, aiming to provide a supportive and enabling environment.

Specialized Staff Training and Qualifications

It is essential to investigate and inquire about the qualifications of staff members at assisted living facilities. Opt for facilities where staff members are well-trained in catering to the needs of seniors experiencing vision loss. These trained caregivers need to possess patience and effective communication skills to help residents navigate their surroundings efficiently.

They should also be knowledgeable about the progression of common vision conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, enabling them to adapt care as residents’ needs evolve. Most assisted living facilities are equipped to accommodate individuals with vision impairment by providing safe and accessible spaces, personal care assistance, housekeeping services, and social spaces to combat loneliness.

Questions you might ask include:

• What experience do staff members have with vision-impaired seniors, especially those who are visually impaired seniors?
• Are there any residents with vision loss currently living in the facility, including those with age-related macular degeneration?
• Does the staff include members trained in dealing with specific vision impairments similar to those of my loved ones? If not, is additional training available to better support visually impaired seniors?
• What are the provisions for eye health monitoring, particularly for conditions like age-related macular degeneration?
• What protocols are in place to assist vision-impaired seniors when changes are made to the layout of common areas?
• Can you detail the range of assisted living services provided for visually impaired seniors, including living services that support daily activities?
• How does the facility assist with transportation services for visually impaired seniors to ensure their accessibility and independence?

How To Care For Your Vision As You Get Older

How do we care for our vision throughout our lives?  Of utmost importance is a yearly examination with a vision specialist, such as an ophthalmologist, as we age.  IF yearly exams occur, vision problems are identified during the early stages and can be treated more effectively.  Examples include cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.  Schedule an appointment today!