Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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My mother may lose her right eye and she has a cataract in her left eye. Can I please get suggestions on how to make things easier for her while she adjusts? (self.Blind)
submitted by violence_on_tv
Hello everyone! My mother recently had a very bad bacterial infection that traveled to her eye. She's in the hospital and the doctors are trying to save her eyeball, but even if they succeed she will not have any visibility in it. As the title says, her "good" eye has a cataract so she will be visually impaired.
I just want to make her feel comfortable and safe when she comes home. It's going to be a big adjustment and if there's anything I can do to help her along I'd like to do it.
I'd really appreciate any suggestions. It's been an overwhelming week and I'm so thankful she's still with us. I am worried she may fall into a depression when she finally gets home. I want to do everything possible to make this easier on her.
I just want to make her feel comfortable and safe when she comes home. It's going to be a big adjustment and if there's anything I can do to help her along I'd like to do it.
I'd really appreciate any suggestions. It's been an overwhelming week and I'm so thankful she's still with us. I am worried she may fall into a depression when she finally gets home. I want to do everything possible to make this easier on her.
xunnix 2 points 2y ago
I'm so sorry that you and your mom have to go through this. My father also lost his left eye 2 years ago due to an infection and lost his vision in the right eye in the past year due to glaucoma . here is some insight I can provide:
- make sure the both of you have mental support. It's a big change and my dad still has his moments where he has bouts of depression because he feels he can no longer contribute to society.
- update the smart phone settings to what's going to make your mom feel comfortable. For us, we activated all of the Google assistant and Google minis around the house so he can tell time, make calls, check the weather, etc.
- if she isn't retired, look into applying for disability.
- we also moved my parents bed somewhat so he had straight access to the ensuite.
- when she walks without a white cane make sure she is hold someone's elbow to help guide.
That's all I can think of at the moment. We are navigating this process as well, as he hadn't been able to get the training he needs yet because he also had a cancer diagnosis last year. But will add more if I think of anything else.
- make sure the both of you have mental support. It's a big change and my dad still has his moments where he has bouts of depression because he feels he can no longer contribute to society.
- update the smart phone settings to what's going to make your mom feel comfortable. For us, we activated all of the Google assistant and Google minis around the house so he can tell time, make calls, check the weather, etc.
- if she isn't retired, look into applying for disability.
- we also moved my parents bed somewhat so he had straight access to the ensuite.
- when she walks without a white cane make sure she is hold someone's elbow to help guide.
That's all I can think of at the moment. We are navigating this process as well, as he hadn't been able to get the training he needs yet because he also had a cancer diagnosis last year. But will add more if I think of anything else.
violence_on_tv [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Thank you so much and I'm really sorry for everything your family has gone through. I'm thinking a ramp up to her porch would help so she doesn't fumble on the stairs. I wish you and your dad the best of luck.
xunnix 1 points 2y ago
That's a good idea! And thank you, really wish you and your family didn't have to go through this similar journey that we are but she will adapt especially with your support! Best of luck to you as well!
DuglandJones 1 points 2y ago
That sucks, I'm sorry she has to go through this. Being there for her will help.
I imagine she won't be able to read braille,
But some indication labels on tinned food might be a big help for her independence. Especially if she likes to cook.
My mum uses braille on acetate labels with an elastic band to hold it to the tin. Also organises the cupboard so she knows roughly where each tin will be.
As others have said, keep the order of the house the same (you'd be supprised at how much we remember), same goes for cupboards and drawers.
Theres a number of gadgets and techniques to help blind people in the day to day so if you think of or see anything that she might struggle with, post on here and someone will know something.
I imagine she won't be able to read braille,
But some indication labels on tinned food might be a big help for her independence. Especially if she likes to cook.
My mum uses braille on acetate labels with an elastic band to hold it to the tin. Also organises the cupboard so she knows roughly where each tin will be.
As others have said, keep the order of the house the same (you'd be supprised at how much we remember), same goes for cupboards and drawers.
Theres a number of gadgets and techniques to help blind people in the day to day so if you think of or see anything that she might struggle with, post on here and someone will know something.
violence_on_tv [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Thank you 😊
ikilledthepromkween 1 points 2y ago
Hi! I hope your mother feel better soon and I’m so sorry this happened to you and your family. One thing I learned (the hard way) whatever position your furnitures, things in pantry in the kitchen, keep it that way. She’s familiar with it and don’t change anything. For every edges of the dining table, coffee table etc, put safety silicone/rubber protector just in case she bumps into it. I hope anyone else could add more to this thread. Good luck!
violence_on_tv [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Thank you so much for your suggestions. This situation has caught us all off guard and we just want to improve her everyday life as much much as possible.
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