What Kinds of Low Vision Devices Can Help Seniors?
Does your elderly relative suffer from poor vision? If so, they are among the millions of elderly Americans that have some type of eye disease that leads to vision problems. With poor vision, a senior citizen’s life is definitely going to change, and for those who are living independently in their own homes, suddenly they are facing some tough decisions about how they can continue on there in safety and comfort without the benefits of good vision.
With diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, many elderly adults experience reduced vision and therefore a change to their ability to live independently and accomplish daily tasks. They usually need family caregivers and home care providers to assist them throughout the day with any number of things, from cleaning the house to preparing meals.
Thanks to modern technology, however, you and your elderly loved one don’t have to accept their poor vision as an end to their independence. There are many low vision devices on the market designed to help seniors with sight issues. A low vision device is designed to be used as a tool for seniors with sight issues to see better and accomplish certain tasks without help. The low vision devices give seniors the chance to do some things for themselves, just as they used to.
Here are just a few of the most common and effective low vision devices on the market:
- Hand-held magnifying loupes.
- Stand magnifiers.
- Specialized magnifier glasses.
- Telemicroscopic glasses.
- Enlarged keyboards for computers.
- Optical devices to enlarge computer screens.
- Digital magnifiers.
- Hand-held monocular.
- Bioptic telescopes.
Depending on the task, the aging adult can use one or more of these low vision devices to enable them to do what they can on their own, without help from family caregivers and home care providers. Eye doctors and specialists can help elderly adults and family members in choosing which devices are best for the situation and teach everyone how to effectively use the devices.
Most seniors start with a couple of devices and increase as they grow more comfortable. If there is an activity they want to do but their poor vision prevents it, seniors can talk to their doctor about recommendations for a low vision device that may help. Family caregivers and home care providers can also learn the possibilities and limitations that low vision devices possess, and work as a team to create the best scenario possible.
As tempting as it might be for family caregivers or home care providers to just step in and do the task in half the time, it’s important for elderly adults to resolve issues on their own, to boost both their self-esteem and competency. Low vision devices are the proper tools that seniors need to accomplish many daily tasks.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering caregiver services in Irvine, CA, please contact the caring staff at Easy Living Home Care today. Providing Non-Medical Home Care Services in Orange County, CA since 2009. Call for Assistance: (949) 282-5017 or (949) 842-6831
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