February is recognized as National Low Vision Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to focus on the needs of elderly loved ones who may be experiencing vision challenges. Low vision can significantly impact daily life and overall safety, especially for seniors living independently. By addressing these challenges, you can help create a secure and comfortable environment that supports their well-being.
This is also a great opportunity to explore how personal care at home providers can play a vital role in enhancing their quality of life while ensuring their safety and independence.
Most Common Issues Related to Low Vision
When asked, those with low vision had a list of items they struggled with most when trying to manage life. The most common difficulty most people with low vision listed was reading. From shampoo bottles to medicine labels, having low vision can make knowing what you’re using and how to use it challenging.
Other everyday struggles for those with low vision listed included driving, feeling comfortable moving about an area, taking care of personal tasks, struggling in low light or light glares, and trouble recognizing people and engaging socially.
Five Ways You Can Make the Home Safer for Your Loved One with Low Vision
If your loved one desires to stay in his home, take steps around his home to make it a safe place. By helping him in these areas, you and personal care at home providers can help make his home safe and comfortable.
- Create extra large labels for everything. From food items in the kitchen to medicines in the medicine cabinet, make sure he can read each label and understand what it is and how to use it.
- Remove extra clutter around the home. Floors with cords, loose rugs, and items lying around create tripping hazards for someone who doesn’t see well. Keep his floors clear of clutter, but also consider other areas of the home as well. Too many items in any space can make it more difficult to navigate.
- Add lighting everywhere. A brighter home can help your loved one see better. Add lights to all hallways, staircases, and corners to improve visibility.
- Mark floors with brightly colored tape. Tape can help your loved one see when a staircase is coming up or if there is an incline going down.
- Purchase items that are created specifically for low-vision patients. A larger TV with high-contrast images can help him see the TV better, and a phone with large text can help him read texts from loved ones.
Keep Your Loved One Looking Her Best with Personal Care at Home
It’s not all about vanity when your loved one complains that his low vision makes it difficult to take care of his nails, shave or trim his beard, or perform other personal care tasks. Taking care of his personal needs is an important part of maintaining his health. Poorly cared for nails can lead to infections and sores, and skin that isn’t cared for may get dry and cracked.
If your loved one’s sight makes it difficult for him to take care of some of his personal needs, consider having a personal care at home provider visit to help him with those needs. A provider who offers personal care at home can help with shaving, nail care, hair care, and so much more.
A personal care at home provider will be able to notice if your loved one has an ingrown hair that needs to be seen by a doctor or a foot concern that needs treatment. While these might seem like minor health concerns, managing them properly can help your loved one remain healthy and stay at home even with his low vision.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home in Scottsdale, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Legacy Home Care today. Call (480) 777-0070
Legacy Home Care is a top provider of home care services in Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Sun Lakes, Chandler, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Phoenix, and surrounding areas.
Legacy Home Care has been serving the valley since 2007. We are family owned and operated with over 75 caregivers. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as: Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans' Home Care program.
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