January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. While many people might not know what it is, this disease is common among the senior population and causes permanent blindness. In fact, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, it is estimated that nearly 4.2 million people in the United States may have glaucoma by 2030. Furthermore, Glaucoma is not the only disease that causes vision loss for the elderly, there are many other disorders that can affect or reduce a senior’s ability to see. 

We trust our senses to navigate through everyday life. In general, losing some sensitivity in one of the senses, like hearing, is not quite as frustrating as losing one’s sight. For seniors, vision decline is common. While it affects daily living profoundly, there are many options to mitigate the decline in vision. One step you can take is to move your senior into a continuing care retirement community to get the additional support they need in a safe environment. 

4 Suggestions to Help Your Senior with Vision Loss or Decline

If you notice your aging mom or dad squinting or discontinuing a favorite vision-based activity, it may be time to take some additional measures. Here are four tips to get you started:

  1. Ensure They Have Good Lighting: A well-lit room, minus glare, goes a long way to aiding a loved one in enjoying their regular activities. Some ideas include task lighting for reading and under-cabinet lighting for work in the kitchen. It is a good idea to keep the lights on during the day, too.
  2. Minimize Fall Risk: Even if Dad can see perfectly well with 20/20 vision, he may benefit from a few changes around the house. Install nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways. Remove trip hazards such as throw rugs and electrical cords. You might need to rearrange furniture to make it easier to navigate in a room.
  3. Provide Magnification: Ease eye strain with magnifying devices. It can also be as simple as a magnifying sheet or as large as a projector device. Large print books, checkbooks, calendars, and other items are helpful as well. There are many options.
  4. Consider a Smart Home Voice-Control Device: Help your senior enjoy music, reading, and other activities with a smart device. They can tell it to read their favorite book to them or play music. There are many creative ways to offer support for your loved one.

Make a Move to Wesley Enhanced Living and Enjoy Life Fully

Help your elderly loved one suffering from vision decline keep enjoying their favorite activities. Sometimes it only takes a little extra light. But when your aging parent feels unnerved by living alone, choose a community that focuses on the health and wellbeing of its residents. Wesley Enhanced Living offers everything your senior needs with a resident-focused take on retirement living. We provide different living options to fit your loved one’s preference, including independent living, personal care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. Give us a call today, and let’s work together to give your aging parent the care and support they deserve.

Wesley Enhanced Living provides high-quality senior retirement communities for you or your loved ones.  Contact one of our Philadelphia area locations and find out why our seniors love where they live. Our staff is happy to discuss your elder’s needs or your own and inform you of our range of services. Virtual tours are now available. Call us today for more information.