GeneralTips for Supporting Someone With Low Vision

It’s common for people who have low vision to become isolated. This can be a natural result of not seeing well, but it also happens because people don’t know how to interact with someone who is visually impaired. As a caregiver or friend of someone who has low vision, it’s important to remember that you can still offer support and companionship. Here are some tips for supporting a person with low vision.

1. Be Aware Of Your Own Visual Impairment

Most people think they see things clearly enough to read the newspaper without glasses, wear contacts, or need reading glasses at all. If you find yourself having trouble reading something as simple as the news—or even your own handwriting—you may want to talk to an eye care professional about getting tested for visual impairment. You might discover you have macular degeneration or cataracts, which will make reading difficult no matter what type of lenses you use on your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription. It could also mean that you should start wearing sunglasses in bright light, especially if you spend time outdoors during daylight hours.

2. Take Time To Learn About The Person Who Has Low Vision

You won’t always understand why your loved one’s friends avoid them or how he feels when his family doesn’t visit often. But if you take the time to learn more about him, you’ll likely gain insight into what makes this individual tick. For example, do you notice any changes in personality? Are there particular activities she enjoys doing? Do certain foods cause her discomfort? Is there anything specific about the housekeeping habits that bother her? By taking note of these details, you can help her feel less alone by letting others know exactly what she likes.

3. Don’t Let Them “Hide Out” From Others

People who have low vision are sometimes afraid to go out in public places where other individuals may be able to spot their disability. That means they tend to stay home instead of going to events like weddings or parties. While this behavior isn’t necessarily bad, it does keep your loved ones from interacting socially. A good way to combat this tendency is to encourage outings so your loved one gets used to being around people again. However, you shouldn’t force this upon them; rather, let them decide whether or not to join you for social gatherings.

4. Offer Support And Companionship In Ways Other People Can See

Your loved one probably needs constant encouragement every day just to get through life. He may struggle to complete household chores or prepare meals because he lacks confidence. He may have difficulty finding personal items such as keys or wallets. These challenges affect many aspects of daily living, including the ability to work, maintain relationships with friends and relatives, and enjoy recreational pursuits. Although most people who live independently are capable of completing basic tasks, those who lack vision require extra assistance.

5. Help Him Find Accommodations At Home Or Workplace

When someone loses sight due to illness or injury, he must adjust to new limitations. One obvious change is that he cannot drive anymore, and now requires another form of transportation. If this is the case, then consider helping your loved one find alternative ways to travel short distances or long distances. There are several options available, including taxis, ridesharing services, or riding bikes together. Another option would be to look into adaptive equipment, such as wheelchairs or scooters. Additionally, if your loved one works outside the home, consider talking to employers about providing accommodations. They may provide modified desks, chairs, and/or phones to accommodate special requirements.

6. Create Opportunities For Socialization

If your loved one seems lonely, try introducing him to other people you encounter in everyday situations. Ask neighbors, coworkers, doctors’ offices, restaurants, grocery stores… anywhere! Most people appreciate hearing stories from people who aren’t related to them and love sharing experiences.

7. Be Patient — Your Loved One May Need More Than Just “Good Grief!”

Many people who lose significant amounts of vision experience depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Sometimes, this reaction stems from feeling overwhelmed by the loss, while other times it comes from feelings of inadequacy. Even though it’s normal to feel sad, frustrated, angry, or confused after losing vision, it’d be helpful if caregivers took the time to listen carefully to their loved one’s concerns and frustrations. Remember: Everyone grieves differently!

8. Show Understanding Of How His Disability Affects Daily Life

Losing vision can be isolating, particularly for older adults. Some seniors worry that they’re becoming invisible, unable to function normally. What they really fear is being misunderstood. It’s critical to understand why someone might behave in certain ways; otherwise, there will be no way to help. Caregivers should ask questions such as these: “Are you having trouble doing things like shopping? Are you worried about getting lost at places where you need directions? Do you want me to read something out loud so you can hear what I’m saying?”

9. Keep Up To Date On New Technology

Technology advances quickly, which means anyone dealing with visual impairment faces challenges when trying to keep up. Many devices on the market today were unavailable only a few years ago. However, technology continues to evolve, offering new opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision. The Internet provides access to information that was previously inaccessible. Apps enable smartphones and tablets to take advantage of touch screens instead of buttons. Low Vision Aids – Devices using voice recognition software allow users to navigate without looking down.

10. Make Sure That You Don’t Overwhelm Your Loved One

Don’t forget to practice self-care! Take time off to go to the doctor, exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, sleep enough hours each night, and laugh often. If you find yourself constantly stressed, tired, anxious, depressed, or crying too much, seek professional counseling. In addition, make sure that you don’t overwork yourself physically or emotionally. Taking short rest periods throughout the day can significantly improve mental clarity.

11. Help Him Stay Connected With Friends And Family Members

Friends and family members play an essential role in helping people adjust to life changes. They may provide moral support and advice during challenging moments. They may even serve as mentors and coaches, teaching others how to cope with daily living tasks. When working closely with friends and relatives, consider asking them to assist you with specific activities like reading mail, paying bills, writing checks, filling prescriptions, preparing food, cleaning dishes, etc.

12. Find Ways To Have Fun Together

Even if you live apart from your loved ones, you both benefit from spending quality time together. Try going out for lunch once every two weeks. Schedule regular dates for movies, concerts, sporting events, picnics, dinner parties, walks, bike rides, hikes, trips to the museum/library, and more. Get creative – create a special memory book filled with pictures, notes, poems, songs, art projects, and anything else you think would spark fond memories.

13. Avoid Making Assumptions About Who He Is Or What He Can See

People who have been diagnosed with AMD describe themselves very broadly. Some say they see “everything,” while others claim to see nothing at all. It’s best to avoid making assumptions about what he sees; rather than assuming things based upon his responses, ask him directly. Ask questions such as: “What color is this?”, “How many lines does this road look like?”, “Do you recognize this building? Where did we meet last week?”. Be patient – you could spend months learning about his condition.

14. Keep His Needs Top Of Mind

Many individuals with advanced age-related macular degeneration develop cognitive impairments. For example, their thinking skills may slow down, causing problems understanding complex instructions. Others may lose interest in hobbies and socialize, possibly due to depression. These changes require extra attention and effort from caregivers. Discuss these issues openly and frequently so that everyone involved understands where each other stands. Understandably, these topics tend to be sensitive subjects. By being open and honest, however, you’ll help maintain close relationships between you and your loved one.

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