Senior Vision Loss

Improved Essays
Caregivers and Senior Vision Loss

One of the most common age-related conditions in America is vision loss. Most of us will experience at least some level of macular degeneration by the age of 50. Vision loss continues to deteriorate with each additional year. The number of Americans with significant vision loss is expected to double in the next decade as the baby boomer generation ages. In addition to macular degeneration, many more seniors will face vision loss due to injury or illness.
Most seniors who experience vision loss will not go completely blind, but enough vision may be impacted that they need to adjust their lifestyle or learn new skills. Many seniors will face emotional struggles and even depression as vision loss impacts their independence. Senior caregivers can help.
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They also are usually hesitant to ask for help or assistance. Senior helpers and caregivers are able to assist your loved one with a number of strategies to live independently.
Most vision loss is not reversible. There are strategies to improve eyesight and/or adjust to a loss of vision, however. Obviously, one of the primary ways we combat vision loss is by wearing glasses. There comes a time when even glasses are not enough to see well. Other times, seniors will forget to wear their glasses and need to have a strategy to function when they cannot see.
How Caregivers Can Help
The primary concern with vision loss is safety. Caregivers can perform light cleaning of the house and ensure there are no items lying around for your loved one to trip over. They can also perform a fall-risk assessment to see if modifications might be advisable.
Motion activated lights
Clearly delineated walls and

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