Keeping a Visually Impaired Senior Safe at Home

By Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP | February 16, 2017 |

Elder Care in Somerset County NJ

You and your loved one may be concerned about keeping them safe at home if they are suffering from diminished vision. Even when no known disease exists such as cataracts or glaucoma, normal are-related vision loss includes loss of contrast sensitivity and the reduced ability to see fine details. Glare is also a greater concern. There are, however, strategies and technology that can help even those with limited sight stay safe.

Safe Environment

A safe environment is important to all seniors, even those that do not suffer from loss of vision. This includes limiting clutter, removing throw rugs that may be a slipping hazard and removing any obstacles that could produce a tripping hazard. Place grab bars in strategic locations such as in the shower and by the toilet. Consider raised seating on the toilet and for chairs if your loved one feels unsafe lowering themselves.

Lighting

Lighting is crucial in a home with a senior that is visually impaired. Consider installing sensor monitors. One such device consists of pad monitors that are placed by the side of the bed. When your parent places their feet on them, night lights that have been strategically placed to highlight the path to the bathroom become illuminated. LED lighting is also recommended. Glare is diminished by blocking direct view of the light source such as with a shade or reflector. Halogen lighting is not recommended due to the glare from those types of light sources. Take a look at where your parent spends much of their time and ensure lighting that is task focused such as by their recliner or desk where they may read. Place lamps strategically throughout the house such as in doorways. Consider installing mini blinds that are adjustable throughout the day.

Additional Eyes

Your loved one may feel safer if they have quick access to emergency aid or they know someone has their eyes on them. To this end, consider a medical alert monitor or a home video monitoring system. A medical alert allows your parent to push a button to activate a call to you as the caregiver as well as an emergency response team should a fall or other emergency occur. A home video monitoring system allows you to keep track of your parent via a network and your own computer. Of course, there is nothing quite as reliable as another set of eyes. Consider obtaining the services of an elder care provider who can be there when you are not, providing care and companionship and assisting with the daily activities of living.

More Information

Vision Aware offers several informative videos on helping vision impaired seniors lead an independent life in their own home. These can be found at visionaware.org.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional elder care in Somerset County, NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

Resources

http://www.visionaware.org/info/everyday-living/home-modification-/lighting-and-glare/123

Author
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Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP

Co-Owner at Generations Home Healthcare LLC

Susan is the Co-Owner of Generations Home HealthCare and has 35 years of business experience and entrepreneurship. For the last 10 years she has been a Registered Nurse working at St. Luke’s Hospital (Bethlehem, PA) in the Neuro/Trauma Unit and as a critical care nurse at Hunterdon Medical Center. She has a B.S. from Rutgers University and a BSN from Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA.Susan is currently in the process of obtaining her Master’s in Gerontology. Susan is married, has 2 children and 2 grandchildren.

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