Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Low vision tips? (self.Blind)
submitted by UltraDespairKomaeda
Hey everyone! I am looking for some info or tips that you might be able to provide. My grandma is in her 70's and has low vision, and will likely continue slowly going blind for the rest of her life. She has macular degeneration and had cataract surgeries in both eyes, and receives some sort of shot in one of her eyes monthly to reduce or stop bleeding to prevent the problem from progressing too quickly.
Basically she wants some tips on how to adjust to being blind so that she may keep living at home.
I help her pay her bills online and I also help her keep her home clean, and she tries to keep everything in the same places so she knows where things are. But beyond that, we don't really know what else to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Basically she wants some tips on how to adjust to being blind so that she may keep living at home.
I help her pay her bills online and I also help her keep her home clean, and she tries to keep everything in the same places so she knows where things are. But beyond that, we don't really know what else to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
-shacklebolt- 3 points 4y ago
Where does she live? In the US for example, your state generally will provide training services for seniors through them or contracted organizations.
UltraDespairKomaeda [OP] 1 points 4y ago
Ohio, and I've already checked out the info button for r/blind and came up empty. I've been using Google but that's not really turned up much in our specific area. She is planning on talking to her eye doctor about some resources as well during her next appointment.
seanalanmorris 2 points 4y ago
Check with your local Lion's Club too, they do a lot to support blind and low-vision folks. Vision devices and accommodations can easily run into THOUSANDS of dollars. Shortly after the medical event that left me with low vision, the Lion's Low Vision Center, near where I live, sent me home with a bunch of items that immediately improved my life, all free of charge! I can't sing their praises more highly.
sarahluvsjoy 2 points 4y ago
I work for a low vision specialist and you grandmother has wet macular degeneration (which is better than dry mac deg). Depending on her level of vision (acuity), magnification or bioptic telescopes could really help her maintain independence. Is your grandmother seeing a low vision specialist?
UltraDespairKomaeda [OP] 1 points 4y ago
As far as I know she's just got an eye doctor but a week or two ago she had a meeting with someone about low vision services. Apparently Goodwill has services for things like this. Someone came out to her house and got info from her about how she does things currently, what she can see and how distorted it is, and what she might need help with. After all that, the lady applied for the program and said someone would get back with her in about a month (they're pretty busy at the moment) for another in home meeting and some tools that might help (all for free.) They have services to help teach you how to cook and clean and even one that will send out free books and a reader. I highly recommend anyone with low vision look into goodwill for this purpose. It was recommended to us by her doc.
sarahluvsjoy 2 points 4y ago
that’s awesome- it’s so great when patients are in a location that provides services. And thanks so much for the info on Goodwill- I never knew that and will add it to our list of resources that people should check into!
OutWestTexas 2 points 4y ago
Number one: Prevent Falls! Grab bars in the bathroom. Eliminate any tripping hazards.
Number two: High Contrast will allow her to make the most of the vision she has left. There are high contrast phones, cutting boards, playing cards, etc.
Number three: Get yourself a catalog of low vision devices and go through it with her to pick out things that will make her life easier.
Number two: High Contrast will allow her to make the most of the vision she has left. There are high contrast phones, cutting boards, playing cards, etc.
Number three: Get yourself a catalog of low vision devices and go through it with her to pick out things that will make her life easier.
UltraDespairKomaeda [OP] 2 points 4y ago
I had no idea they made so many low vision devices, were pretty excited about looking for some of those. Grab bars are a good idea too, definitely didn't think of that. She's already noticed that contrast helps so I'll be on the lookout for more high contrast things and a high contrast phone too. Thanks for the suggestions!
estj317 2 points 4y ago
The iphones and androids both do high contrast and good low vision stuff.
Learn to use a cane, get good training. Learn to use magnification on the computer it’s absolutely built in to all the macs. Learn to use screen readers and get use to audio books. Yeah, basically repeat with some new stuff.
Learn to use a cane, get good training. Learn to use magnification on the computer it’s absolutely built in to all the macs. Learn to use screen readers and get use to audio books. Yeah, basically repeat with some new stuff.
princesspoptarts 2 points 4y ago
Yup, as the other comment mentions there should be low vision / visual impairment rehab style services available from the government or other organizations in your area. They're a big help in providing stuff that can help make her home more accessible.
What she needs is all contingent upon what she does around the house. (For example, all my kitchen appliances have tactile dots on the buttons so I can cook independently.)
What she needs is all contingent upon what she does around the house. (For example, all my kitchen appliances have tactile dots on the buttons so I can cook independently.)
UltraDespairKomaeda [OP] 1 points 4y ago
I will look into those thanks!
Californiaolivia 2 points 4y ago
Use Be My Eyes app.
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