Senior Vision Impairment

In our last blog, we shared some signs to watch for in your senior loved ones that could indicate a potential problem with vision. If a vision impairment has been diagnosed, there are a number of steps that can be taken to enhance the home environment and make it safer and more accessible. This can begin with something as straightforward as reducing clutter and making simple, low cost modifications to the basic concepts of lighting, color and contrast.

Lighting

  • Try to maintain continuous lighting levels throughout the home. If possible, install extra lighting in entryways, hallways, and at the top and bottom of each staircase to eliminate shadows or excessively bright areas.
  • Install fluorescent ceiling fixtures for general room lighting, supplemented with incandescent, LED, or halogen lighting in desk lamps, table lamps, and floor fixtures.
  • Use a bedside lamp with a “clap-on” feature, or one that can activate by simply touching the base.
  • Use lampshades that are light-colored and translucent; generally, this type of shade allows the maximum transmission of light without glare.

Color

  • Solid, bright colors such as red, orange, and yellow are generally the easiest to see because they can reflect light.
  • Distinguishing colors within each of the following groups may be more difficult for some people who have low vision:
    • Navy blue, brown and black
    • Blue, green and purple
    • Pink, yellow and pale green
  • Use brightly colored paint to mark pot handles and brightly colored tape to mark staircase railings.

Contrast

  • Place light-colored objects against darker backgrounds. A white sheet of paper is more visible against a brown desktop or dark blotter.
  • Place dark objects against lighter backgrounds. A dark chair will stand out better against white or cream‑colored walls.
  • Use white plates on a dark tablecloth, or place dark dishes on a white or light-colored cloth.
  • Use a reversible black and white cutting board to provide contrast. For example, onions, potatoes and yellow squash will show up more clearly on the black side, while the white side will provide greater contrast with tomatoes and green vegetables.

At Live Free Home Health Care of New Hampshire, we provide a free in-home assessment and individualized plan of care, created, updated, and supervised by a registered nurse, to ensure optimum health and safety for each of our senior clients. Our award-winning caregivers are fully trained, experienced, background checked, and carefully matched – resulting in a senior/caregiver bond that is unlike any other. Contact us at 603-217-0149 to learn more!