Cataract Exams and Seniors

Edmonton Senior Health  |  August 30, 2018

If Your Loved One is Experiencing Vision Problems It May Be Time for a Cataract Exam

Cataract Exams and Seniors | How would someone know if it’s time for a cataract exam? If there’s blurred or double vision, eyeglasses don’t help, and daily activities are affected, a professional cataract exam is needed!

Cataracts, left untreated, continue to worsen and may lead to blindness. Still, they’re a common struggle for over 24 million people. Preventative exams and adequate medical care are vital to prevent the downward spiral.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a common challenge. They cause a clouding of the lens, blocking proper light from entering the eye, thus diminishing vision. Although cataracts don’t create pain, they do cause big problems for anyone trying to maintain independence.

Because cataracts can cause night vision problems, like blurring, or a halo effect around lights, someone affected may have to stop driving until after surgery and full recovery.

Colours may appear dull and hard to identify, even when wearing corrective eyeglass prescriptions. Without treatment, the eyes can begin to look cloudy or discoloured and may become visible to others.

What Causes Cataracts?

The medical community doesn’t fully understand what triggers cataracts, besides the natural effects of aging. However, factors that may contribute to cataracts include:

• • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Eye injury, specific diseases, or inflammation
  • Exposure to UV rays
  • Hereditary factors
  • Using steroids for extended periods
  • Events that occur before birth, such as an illness the mother has when pregnant

How Can Cataracts Be Prevented?

So, what should we do to prevent cataracts? See an eye doctor regularly so cataracts can be identified quickly, and the best measures can be implemented to protect vision.

#1. Start with wearing sunglasses with UV protection on sunny days

#2. Quit smoking

#3. Get more exercise

#4. Eat leafy green veggies

Cataract Surgery and Recovery

Eye surgery to remove cataracts is not rare in the U.S. Over 2 million procedures are performed annually with a success rate of over 95%. Recovery is typically a few days, although complete healing takes up to a month.

During this recovery, the family may be concerned about how they can assist their loved one. The patient might benefit from a professional caregiver to help them with daily activities for these weeks.

Seniors who have help with housekeeping chores, meal preparation, or errands, can regain a sense of competence. Comfort Keepers® caregivers can even provide transportation for follow-up medical appointments!

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services

Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness. 

Top-Notch Home Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta

Comfort Keepers of Edmonton offers a broader range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can provide 24-hour care and more!

Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our client’s needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind, empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life. 

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.

Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. 

What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?

CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.

Accredited Home Care Edmonton

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, AB.

To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.

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