Talking about health concerns is difficult for many seniors. They might think their health issues are their business and not anyone else’s, or they might possibly be fearful that if they admit to experiencing problems, they might compromise their ability to continue to live independently. This is quite often the situation regarding vision loss.
An older adult who is experiencing signs of senior vision impairment may do his or her best to conceal the issue from family and friends. As a result, it’s helpful to know how to identify changes in behavior and appearance that could possibly signify a senior ought to visit the doctor or eye care professional. Watch for these warning signs that could be the result of vision loss:
- Bumping into objects, tripping, moving very carefully or touching the wall while walking
- Seeming to be visually confused in a familiar place
- Under-reaching or over-reaching for objects
- Stopping certain favorite activities like reading, watching TV, driving, walking, or getting involved in hobbies
- Tilting the head or squinting to see, or positioning reading material close to the face
- Struggling to identify other people’s faces, objects or colors
- Stained clothing or clothing color combinations that do not match
- Seeking out more or different kinds of lighting for reading or other activities
- Having trouble cutting or serving food, or knocking over glasses
In addition, if the aging adult complains about the following items, it could be an indication of losing vision:
- Mentioning seeing halos or rings around lights, or witnessing spots in front of his or her eyes
- Expressing eye pain
- Being afflicted by diminished night vision, double or distorted vision
Losing vision does not have to mean losing self-reliance. With a little assistance from Dakota Home Care, older individuals experiencing signs of senior vision impairment can find an in home caregiver who can help them continue to safely enjoy all that life has to offer. We provide transportation services, meal planning and preparation, housekeeping, errand-running, and many more home care services, enabling older adults to age at home where they are most comfortable, to maintain the routines to which they’re accustomed, and to experience enhanced socialization. Contact us online, or call us any time at (877) 691-0015 to learn more about our in home care in Fargo, ND and the surrounding areas.