6 Things Every Caregiver Caring for Seniors with Vision Problems Must Know
Have Open Conversations
As a caregiver, you must always encourage the people you are caring for to actively participate in discussions regarding their medical treatment. This will make them feel comfortable while establishing a sense of responsibility and commitment towards their personal well-being within them.
Preventative Care for Eyeglasses
The most common problem among seniors is that they are unable to keep track of their belongings more often than not. They might even end up sitting on it or stepping on them, leaving them disoriented. So, remember to check their glasses on a regular basis to ensure they are in good shape.
Provide Additional Reading Tools
Due to problems like low vision or decreased color vision, activities like reading and writing can be quite difficult for seniors. This can be tackled by providing them with additional reading tools like magnifying glasses with in-built LED lights.
As for settings with excessive bright light, you can provide the seniors with specially designed sunglasses. In fact these days, light-sensitive lenses known as photochromatic lenses that are known to auto adjust to bright lights are also available.
Provide Nutrient Rich Meals
Always try to ensure the seniors are provided with well-balanced meals that are filled with essential nutrients such as Vitamin A, C, D & E, Lutein, Zexanthin, Zinc, Omega 3 fatty acids and Selenium. The intake of these vitamins can be supplement by providing a diet rich in proteins like fish, soy and eggs supplemented by leafy greens and fruits.
Rest and Relaxation
While ensuring proper precautions are taken to ensure that vision loss doesn’t overwhelm the seniors suffering from it, it is also necessary to ensure they also give their eyes rest by indulging in other recreational activities like yoga, board games or slow-walking. This not only benefits their health but also keeps their spirits high!
Regular Eye Exams
It is especially important for caregivers to schedule routine eye exams for seniors suffering from vision related problem in order to keep a tab on the effectiveness of the care that is being administered. It also enables early diagnosis of various other vision related problems. Problems such as low vision and cataract can be tackled efficiently by minimally invasive procedures if detected in its earlier stages.
Be sure to set-up a medical emergency plan in case of mishaps or accidents. Maintain a file that contains a brief summary of the senior’s medical history as well as a list of medication being consumed by them on stand-by. This will ensure instant help is administered, whenever required. And lastly, always keep a lively attitude and a positive outlook, so you can provide encouragement to the seniors that require your assistance!
Author Bio:
Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for
LASIK. He loves collecting coasters from the different bars and restaurants he visits during his travels
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