This section mainly aims to help carers of visually impaired people to understand vision loss making them effective in providing the assistance they need to continue living a fulfilling life. Tips contained in this section are as valuable for anybody who meets a person with vision loss be it during a chance encounter or on a regular basis.
As our population ages, cases of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and cataracts are on the rise in all developed countries. For instance, research indicates that people in their 50s have about a two per cent chance of getting AMD. This risk increases to nearly 30 per cent in those over age 75.
Many misconceptions exist about vision loss. For example, very few people who are blind live in a world of total darkness. More than 80 per cent of people who are blind still have some degree of vision. Some can see the outline of objects while others can tell from which direction light is coming. Sometimes, it may be hard to tell if someone is visually impaired at all. As a caregiver, you can maintain the person’s dignity and comfort level by remembering the following points:
Each person will respond differently upon learning they have a serious eye condition. Shock, disbelief, depression, and anger are common reactions. These feelings can last for days, weeks, months, or even years. It can be frustrating for caregivers and family members if a person who is visually impaired or blind has a very negative attitude; however, it is important to remember that a supportive and caring environment is key to successful rehabilitation.
Try not to be overprotective. Sometimes, caregivers, family, and friends can show their concern and support just by “being there.” Friendly visits and organized outings can be of great benefit.
Humour is also an effective way to cope with the challenges presented to people who are blind or visually impaired. Though laughter is often the best medicine, don’t use it just to mask a hurtful experience.
Adjustment to any form of vision loss can be a gradual and often emotional process. Here are some ideas to consider as the person receiving care works towards accepting the diagnosis:
Obtain as much information as you can about the condition of the person you are caring for and how it affects sight. Share the information with the person.
Find support groups and other resources within the person’s community. For those countries where the AMD Alliance International has members you will find links to organizations of and for visually impaired people in the Regional Sections of this site.
Encourage family and friends to visit and support the person.
Allow the person you are caring for time to grieve for his lost vision.
Vision loss is one of the many physiological changes people face as they age. When combined with other disabilities, they can threaten a person’s self-confidence.
As a caregiver, your role involves empowering and encouraging the person under your care to take charge of his/her own rehabilitation process ? to start working toward that first success that will mean so much.
Please also go to the section Adjusting to Vision Loss on this website. There you will find advice on lifestyle changes that will help maintain the person’s daily living activities.
Imagine the sense of accomplishment and pride that a grandmother with AMD will feel once she bakes a batch of cookies for her grandson – thanks to the new adaptive lighting recently installed in her kitchen.
Peer support groups are invaluable. They offer the opportunity to learn how others are coping with their vision loss and how they’ve learned to do old things in new ways. Vision rehabilitation workers and eye-care professionals can also provide creative solutions to the challenges of living with various eye conditions. Support systems vary considerably from country to country. Please go to the Region by Region section of this site to find contact details for our members or contact a reputable visual impairment organization in your country for advice on the help available in your country.
Vision loss does not mean that you can no longer travel alone. You will be able to rely on peripheral or remaining vision, hearing, or the white cane to provide guidance.
If you are acting as a sighted guide, walk half a step ahead of the person under your care. Let the person lightly grasp your arm just above the elbow. Approach curbs, stairs, and doorways squarely – never at an angle, and let the person know when to step up or down. Come to a full stop before stairs; if necessary, switch sides so the person can use the handrail. The person will find the first step by sliding his foot forward until he feels the stair, and you will proceed up or down together. Always remain half a step ahead of the person you are guiding and announce when you’ve come to the last step.
