Personal Support Worker Services for Seniors with Vision Impairment

Home Care Blog  |  February 27, 2018

Seniors with Vision Impairment

More than 75% of seniors with vision impairment are over the age of 65 and experience some type of vision problem. Some are caused by medication, some are caused by age, and some are caused by other factors; however, all types of visual impairment can make it difficult for seniors in Calgary, AB to live alone at home safely. Seniors who experience vision problems often find that a personal support worker is a big help with tasks around the house like cleaning or cooking.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help seniors manage some eye problems like dry eyes or low vision. Getting regular exercise to increase blood flow and the flow of oxygen within the body is important. As well as eating a healthy diet high in vitamins and Omega 3 fatty acids.

Learn more about some of the most common problems seniors with vision impairment experience:

Cataracts

Cloudy areas of the eye lens that develop with age and cause poor vision are known as cataracts. Seniors with cataracts may find that things look blurry, hazy, or less colorful and will likely require glasses or contacts or cataract surgery.

Dry Eyes

When a senior does not have enough tears to lubricate and nourish their eye, they likely have dry eye. Dry eyes can be treated by adding tears, conserving tears, increasing tear production, and treating the contributing eyelid or ocular surface inflammation.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. It doesn’t show any symptoms early on, but can be diagnosed through regular eye exams and can lead to vision loss or blindness. It can be treated with pills, eye drops, and surgery. A Comfort Keepers personal support worker can help your senior loved one in the Calgary area with personal care, medication management, meal preparation, light housekeeping and much more.

Low Vision

A term that refers to a visual impairment that cannot be corrected through glasses, contacts, pharmaceuticals, or surgery is known as low vision. Vision training, low vision devices, and rehabilitation can help seniors with low vision improve their life.

Are-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration is a condition that affects the macula, which is the center of the retina and responsible for the acute vision necessary for driving, reading, and performing other activities that require sharp or straight ahead vision. Although most people with AMD have dry AMD, wet AMD does affect a small number of seniors.

Living with impaired vision can be scary for older adults and their families who worry about their safety. A trained personal support worker or caregiver can provide the assistance and companionship your elderly loved one needs to stay safe and comfortable in their own home. Comfort Keepers can also provide reliable transportation for your family member who can no longer drive.

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help 

At Comfort Keepers^®, we create individual care plans for every client. These plans include wellness goals that consider physical, mental and emotional health. Our caregivers can help support physician-prescribed diet and exercise plans, provide medication reminders, provide transportation to appointments and help seniors engage in the activities they love the most. And, our caregivers can help senior stay connected with loved ones through video chats, phone calls and care updates. We believe that every senior should experience the best in life.

Contact the Comfort Keepers Calgary office to learn more about how we can help maintain safety, comfort, and happiness in the home.

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