How To Help Older Adults Who Are Losing Their Sight

Our ability to see is an integral part of our lives, and we rely on our sight to accomplish many things. When we grow older, we may start losing our sight and have trouble doing everyday tasks such as walking, cooking, or reading. Seniors and older adults will need assistance after their vision starts to recede, and there are specific methods to help them.

Use a Lot of Lighting

Visual impairment causes a higher level of difficulty for sight in all places. When we’re in a room with dim light, it is difficult to see, but for an older adult with diminishing sight, it is nearly impossible to see figures or shapes.

Make sure the senior has a lot of lighting around them; since their vision hasn’t entirely left, they will still see the silhouettes of some objects nearby. Using multiple lamps and keeping lights on in hallways or exits will prevent them from bumping into various things.

Organize the Living Space With a Lot of Room

Wherever the older adult lives, they will need a lot of room if they lose their sight. A cluttered space is like an obstacle course for someone with impaired vision, and their home will become too dangerous to walk through or for them to live in independently. Clear as much space as possible for them, and leave only specific items in place so the seniors will have a guidepost around their home.

Implement Larger Objects

Smaller objects such as keys or silverware may become obscured for an older adult who is losing their vision. Using larger objects will ensure that they know certain items and locate them more easily. Attaching large objects to smaller ones will also act as an effective method of pointing out small things and creating an organized system for seniors to navigate.

Use Contrasting Colors

If you have similar colors next to each other, they may start to blend in the eyes of someone with impaired vision; and items will become indistinguishable. But by using contrasting colors, it will be easier to determine certain things based on what color an older adult sees. A color system for specific items will also improve organization and memorization capabilities, which will help a senior who loses sight feel calm and structured.

The loss of sight is a complex challenge that will take multiple adjustments. Older adults will have a hard time making the transition, but these tips will help make their decrease in vision easier to handle.