Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Grandfather going blind due to macular degeneration...any tips? (self.Blind)
submitted by spookadook
My grandfathers sight has been getting worse and worse over the past year or two due to Macular Degeneration, to the point where he is almost completely blind now. He's having an okay time adjusting to some of the lifestyle changes, like taking the dogs on walks (they know the way so hes kinda just along for the ride at this point) and he can still swim and enjoy some physical activities. However, he mainly struggles with things that rob him of his independence. Getting him to finally stop driving was a task. He copes by just getting really angry and I think it's part of the fact that he was the head of the family for so many years so having to ask for help is really not working for him.
What I'm wondering is: Does anyone here have experience with blindness that sets in slowly or later in life? and if so, is there anything that you found that helped you cope as it got worse and worse? Any tips are appreciated. Thanks in advance!
What I'm wondering is: Does anyone here have experience with blindness that sets in slowly or later in life? and if so, is there anything that you found that helped you cope as it got worse and worse? Any tips are appreciated. Thanks in advance!
DancinBaby 5 points 4y ago
There should not be a problem with swimming ever as long as some precautionsbare taken. My local pool puts a sign on the lane where a visually impaired person is swimming so that others know to look out etc.
Get orientation and mobility training going, get used to a cane. Get phone apps that help. I use Seeing AI, some use be my eyes etc. Seeing AI can for example tell what color is front of the cellphone camera so one can match pants color with shirt color. It can also tell what currency you are holding and how much so paying is easier, can also identify faces etc. Free of charge!
Independence can be kept when learning technology and mobility training combined. I lost most of my vision after 35 years of age.
Get orientation and mobility training going, get used to a cane. Get phone apps that help. I use Seeing AI, some use be my eyes etc. Seeing AI can for example tell what color is front of the cellphone camera so one can match pants color with shirt color. It can also tell what currency you are holding and how much so paying is easier, can also identify faces etc. Free of charge!
Independence can be kept when learning technology and mobility training combined. I lost most of my vision after 35 years of age.
frivel 1 points 4y ago
My vision has been in decline due to Macular Degeneration for several years. The best single thing that I've been able to do for myself is to change my lighting. I now have replaced most light fixtures with Full-spectrum lights. Being able to have a more controllable form of illumination has reduced eye strain. The cost of full spectrum lights has dropped dramatically, and a bulb lasts for years.
brass444 1 points 4y ago
My mother lost her vision gradually and the hardest part for her was not being able to knit, do crosswords etc. (after she accepted not being able to drive). SeeingAI is a great app and easy to use. Also SiriusXM or there are free radio apps and he can get books through Dept of Vision Impaired. Newspapers too.
Not sure of resources but my husband (who lost his vision suddenly) has Aira glasses (as an accommodation provided by his employer). He travels all over the country independently. Lyft or Uber provide mobility although it’s not the same as driving yourself. Agree with others who’ve suggested mobility training (my mom wouldn’t use white cane but she did break down and use a rollater which helped with curbs, bumps, etc).
We all need to be needed and feel worthy. It’s tough I know.
Not sure of resources but my husband (who lost his vision suddenly) has Aira glasses (as an accommodation provided by his employer). He travels all over the country independently. Lyft or Uber provide mobility although it’s not the same as driving yourself. Agree with others who’ve suggested mobility training (my mom wouldn’t use white cane but she did break down and use a rollater which helped with curbs, bumps, etc).
We all need to be needed and feel worthy. It’s tough I know.
KillerLag 1 points 4y ago
He may still be going through the five stages of grief, and sometimes they may have trouble accepting help (or being reluctant to). He may need to come to terms with that.
That being said, getting training for independence would be great. Often times for mac degen, the central vision loss makes it more difficult to read and see detail (and for more advances cases, trouble seeing colour). Something like a CCTV may be able to help magnify what he can read, although the cost for those devices can be quite high. Check with the local rehabilitation center to see if your government/health care system helps cover the cost.
That being said, getting training for independence would be great. Often times for mac degen, the central vision loss makes it more difficult to read and see detail (and for more advances cases, trouble seeing colour). Something like a CCTV may be able to help magnify what he can read, although the cost for those devices can be quite high. Check with the local rehabilitation center to see if your government/health care system helps cover the cost.
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