Freedom Friday: Help Yourself and Others Remain Independent – Part 2

Designate spots for commonly used items and be sure to return objects to the same place every time so that your loved one always knows where things are.
Sometimes using a basket to store like objects can make it easier to find things like keys, remotes to electronics and other items.
Combining tactile and visual systems can help seniors more easily navigate their environment, too. Tactile systems are helpful for those with limited or no vision, or for those whose visual abilities change from day-to-day.
An example of a tactile system is placing rubber bands, felt, raised plastic dots or sandpaper cutouts on items to mark their placement or differentiate similar objects.
Visual systems make use of any remaining vision to identify and organize things. Common examples include large labels or colored stickers or tapes to differentiate individual items or identify collections of items.

The juxtaposition of light and dark colors can make daily activities much easier for a person who still has some remaining vision.
Like colors can make it difficult for those with visual impairments to detect doorways, stairs and furniture and especially smaller objects that blend into their surroundings.
For example, providing a white cutting board for preparing darker foods like apples and a dark board for lighter foods like onions can help extend independence and promote safety.
This concept especially applies in settings like bathrooms, which tend to be monotone. Choose towels, washcloths and bath mats that contrast sharply with the color of the tub/shower, counters and flooring.
Painting door jambs a contrasting color and using brightly colored tape to highlight the edges of steps are other modifications that can be used to improve safety in the home.

Magnification is an essential tool for those with low vision, and magnifying devices range from very simple to technologically advanced.
Look for items that come with larger print/buttons, such as books, checkbooks, calendars, calculators, remote control units, clocks, watches, appointment books and playing cards.
For items that do not come in low-vision versions, magnifiers can be very helpful.
Electronic magnification units use a camera to capture an image and project it onto a built-in monitor, a television screen or a computer screen. These units can be used to read bills and write checks, read books, look at photos, and complete intricate tasks like filling an insulin syringe.
Available through low vision supply companies, they can be chosen with a preference for image size, the degree of contrast, and color or black and white. They range in size from large models to small portable devices.
For more technologically savvy seniors, adaptive equipment, such as screen enlargement software, large-lettered keyboards and near telescopic systems are available to facilitate computer use.

Low vision specialists have the knowledge and experience to devise personalized solutions for a visually impaired individual’s specific needs.
Vision rehabilitation can help with mobility training as well as methods of organizing, marking and labeling household items.
These specialists are also familiar with resources for obtaining low vision aids and can instruct their clients on how to use them properly.
Many vision rehabilitation programs even offer mental health services to help participants cope with the anxiety or depression that often accompanies vision loss.

It’s important to create a strong support system for those with new or worsening visual impairments.
Encourage your loved one to remain active with their friends and stick with the hobbies and pastimes they enjoy.
Offer to accompany or assist them with these things so they can be more confident in their ability to participate.
Encourage open and honest communication as well.
Some people with low vision experience hallucinations known as Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS). This is often confused with dementia but is very different. Although these hallucinations are harmless, they can be unsettling.
Let your loved one know they can talk to you about new symptoms and if something seems to be amiss.