Lincoln, Rhode Island
1525 Old Louisquisset Pike C201, Lincoln, RI 02865
(401) 236-8583
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COVID-19 Vaccine Benefits For Seniors
From enjoying time outdoors to hosting friends and loved ones, read about the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine for seniors.
5 Tips for Tough Pandemic Holiday Conversations
How many times growing up did your parents tell you something was “for your own good?” Probably more than you can, or care to, count.
Holiday Safety With Seniors
To plan safe holiday gatherings with the seniors in your life this year, Comfort Keepers is here to offer advice and tips for senior safety and well-being.
Celebrating the 4th of July During the Coronavirus Pandemic
When we think of the 4th of July, many of us think of past fireworks shows, BBQ’s and family gatherings. While things may look different this year, it is important to remember that we can still celebrate the best of the summer - even while physically distancing at home.
Resources for Seniors Sheltering in Place
One of the most effective ways to combat the Coronavirus pandemic and its effect on seniors is by practicing self-quarantine.
Coronavirus and the Elderly: How In-Home Care Can Help
In-home care is a trusted solution to ensure the safety and wellbeing of seniors. Read more about Comfort Keepers caregivers and our in home care services.
How To Maintain Mental Wellbeing During Isolation
Our caregivers provide companion care to support senior health and wellbeing. Learn how Comfort Keepers can provide safe senior care in the comfort and safety of home.

Monday, January 12, 2015

While the rates of eye disease and vision loss are rapidly increasing in the senior population, this does not necessarily mean that more seniors will need to be confined to homes and facilities so they can live safely. Making simple adaptations to their personal home environments can allow low-vision seniors to liveVisually Impaired independently within their own communities, which can, in turn, improve their overall quality of life. The American Foundation for the Blind offers a number of useful tips for modifying the home to make it a safe environment for those who suffer from vision loss.

Falls are a major risk for seniors, and fall risk increases with age. Older adults also have greater difficulty recovering from falls, which means a fall could precipitate a number of health problems. Couple this age-related increase in fall risk with vision loss, and you could have a recipe for disaster. It is therefore essential to address this risk in low-vision seniors through home modifications:

  • Remove or replace old, worn, or wrinkled carpeting or rugs that could trip the person.
  • Use non-skid flooring or clean floors with no-skid products that reduce shine.
  • Remove trip hazards, such as loose wires that run along floors or clutter in walkways.
  • Make sure furniture does not extend out into walkways and that dining room and desk chairs are pushed in after use.
  • Make walkways clearly visible using bright, highly contrasting, colored tape to outline the edges of hallways, doorways, ramps, stair steps, and stair landings.
  • Make sure the home has sufficiently bright, uniform light in all areas, especially in hallways.
  • Install grab bars in bathrooms and other areas of the home where they may be needed and provide railings that extend beyond the bottoms and tops of stairways.

You can also help low-vision seniors remain independent and help them function with other modifications:

  • Buy furniture that is textured for easy identification; also use texture to identify items like light switches, the end of banisters, and appliance switches.
  • Control glare in the home using window blinds and drapes and by hanging mirrors at a level or in an area where they will not produce glare.
  • Ensure there are adjustable lamps in reading and task areas.
  • Use bright, contrasting colors throughout the home so the senior can differentiate between items and areas.

Many home modifications are simple and inexpensive or can be done gradually over time as the older adult loses more of his or her vision. While the lists above cover many of the broader changes, it is not comprehensive, so seniors should consult with their local associations for the blind or the references below for more information.

Offering support can also help alleviate much of the anxiety low-vision seniors may experience as their vision decreases and can help them function at near-normal levels in their own homes. While family and friends can often help, they may find it difficult to be there at the times when the senior may need it the most. Professional caregiving can help low-vision seniors manage their daily lives when family and friends are unable to be there. 

For more information on how in-home care can assist low-vision seniors, contact your local Comfort Keepers® today.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). The state of vision, aging, and public health in America. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/pdf/vision_brief.pdf.