If your aging loved one is visually impaired, he or she may be unable to live independently anymore. This can be a hardship for the senior as many elderly people want to remain independent for as long as possible.
Having to relocate to an assisted living facility or nursing home can be stressful for those who want to remain in their homes. Fortunately, an in-home senior care provider can assist your loved who has visual deficits so that he or she can stay safe in their own homes. Here are some things an in-home senior care provider can do that will help the aging individual better cope with his or her vision problems.
Monitor Medication Use
If your loved one takes the wrong medications because he or she is unable to see well, the person may become extremely ill. An in-home caregiver can make sure that the aging adult takes the correct medication.
The caregiver can also read the labels on prescription bottles and over-the-counter medications so that the senior understands the instructions. Visual impairments are especially dangerous to diabetics who require insulin injections. While a caregiver cannot administer insulin unless he or she is a nurse, the caregiver can watch the diabetic as he or she draws up the insulin into the syringe to make sure that the correct amount has been used.
Grooming Activities
Visually impaired seniors may be unable to style their hair, put makeup on, trim their nails, or decipher whether or not their clothes are stained or buttoned correctly. The caregiver can assist your loved one with grooming and dressing tasks so that the aging adult can maintain his or her self-esteem and look presentable when participating in social events, shopping, or going to the doctor.
It is important to note that while decreased vision can cause grooming problems, poor grooming or lack of interest in bathing or hygiene, may also indicate cognitive deficits or early-onset dementia. If the aging adult displays behavioral changes such as frequent crying, changes in sleeping or eating patterns, aggressiveness, or confusion, make an appointment with the doctor, who will evaluate the senior's cognitive function.
If your loved one has visual deficits that make living alone dangerous, talk to a representative from a senior care services agency. Not only can an in-home caregiver help your loved one with vision-related issues, but he or she can also provide the aging adult with companionship, which will help prevent social isolation and depression.
