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Writer's pictureThe Ideal Team
May 15, 20233 min read

Helping Loved Ones with Glaucoma

If you have a loved one with glaucoma, you can help him or her adjust to low vision challenges in a variety of ways. However, it's important to note that it’s also critical to take care of yourself as a caregiver.


The more you know about Glaucoma, the better you can support, care for, and help someone with it. Despite how hard it can be for your loved one to ask for help, it's important to talk to him or her openly and clearly about what you can do to assist.


Low-Vision Aids

Low-vision aids help people keep doing things they love even if they have limited vision.

Many low-vision aids are covered by health insurance. Some examples include:

  • Customized magnifiers for reading, knitting, and other near tasks

  • Computerized text-to-speech devices

  • Handheld or spectacle-mounted telescopes for seeing objects in the distance

Doctors Appointments

You can help your loved one by going to the next eye doctor's appointment with them. Take a notepad and pen or pencil so you can write down the doctor's advice.

Ask the doctor what optical aids will work best for the patient's individual needs. A doctor may also suggest non-optical aids to help low-vision patients enjoy life more.

  • Audiobooks

  • Large-print books

  • Other large-print items such as playing cards, clocks, phones, and pillboxes

Home Safety

You can help your loved one make adjustments at home to improve visibility and reduce the risk of falling. Suggestions include:

  • The kitchen, bathroom, and work areas should be well-lit, with high-wattage light bulbs and additional lamps.

  • Get rid of unnecessary clutter. Help organize and label important stuff.

  • Keep a handy list of important phone numbers, including doctors, transportation, and emergency contacts.

  • Mark stairs or slopes with brightly coloured tape. Choose colours that contrast with the flooring.

Shopping and Errands

Offering to take your loved one grocery shopping or running errands once a week can help lift their spirits as they navigate life with vision challenges. Prepare a shopping list ahead of time, and help the person find things on store shelves. Encourage them to do as much shopping as they can, but stay nearby when they need help.


Mobility

Make sure your loved one knows about all transportation options, including those offered by local churches and groups. Encourage them to ask questions and speak up if he or she needs help.


If you're walking with someone with impaired vision, try walking at a slower pace so the person can anticipate the terrain. Alert him or her to steps, curbs, and other potential problems you might encounter.


Knowing what they have in terms of their specific vision needs can help you anticipate mobility problems. For example, people with glaucoma usually have difficulty with peripheral vision.


Emotional Effects of Vision Loss

It's normal for a person to feel grief and shock when they get a diagnosis of glaucoma. Your loved one might worry about their ability to drive or live independently when they lose their vision.


As a caregiver, you might have worries about how your relationship with your loved one will change. Talk openly and honestly about your feelings and emotions with your loved one. This way, you and your family can acknowledge your feelings and move past them.

Support your loved one as he or she adjusts to life with vision loss by treating it as a family-wide concern.


Reach out to our experienced team at Ideal Caregivers 4u if you require support for your elderly loved one suffering from low vision. Our services will be able to assist them with mobility challenges, daily tasks, and companionship. Contact us today and one of our three locations!



 

"Improving the quality of life for our clients since 1998 while providing peace of mind to their families."





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