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Blind and Visually Impaired Community

Full History - 2022 - 07 - 15 - ID#vzitjp
5
Ideas to help my grandmother navigate her new home? (self.Blind)
submitted by RKORyder
So, my grandparents recently moved into a now trailer home recently. It was bought for them from another family member so they could move closer to all us grandkids. However, while the rooms are very open, this causes a bit of a problem for my grandmother who is legally blind who typically uses walls to feel her way around.

My grandma has a degenerative eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa and currently has only 10% of her vision left (imagine about dime-sized). She since lost the ability to tell most colors apart and can't see when the lights are too bright or dim.

Lately, my grandmother has been getting frustrated because she's constantly losing where is and/or bumping into walls because there's nothing to distinguish where she's going.

Like I said, colors are hard to distinguish, lights are difficult to use because of brightness can be an issue and she can't read very well so written instructions are out. Despite all of us telling her otherwise, she feels like a burden and is getting really frustrated.

I really want to help her but coming up with ideas has been difficult. Does anybody have any suggestions for what we can do to help her navigate her new home a little easier?
BaBaBroke 3 points 1y ago
Call the agency that deals with blind and visually impaired for your state and have them do some training for mobility with a cane. She needs both. They should also do other training with her. If she lives by herself get her some type of I've fallen and can't get up device on case she needs help. And make sure the smoke and carbon monoxide alarm operates and teach her two ways out.
razzretina 2 points 1y ago
Does your grandmother use her feet to figure out locations? If so, you can put things like duct tape in certain areas of the house so she has that tactile feedback. Exploring the house with her slowly and giving her a chance to orient herself using things like kitchen tile versus living room carpet may help too. Is she willing to learn how to use a white cane at all? In a new or unfamiliar house a lot of us use our canes when we're getting familiar with the environment.
Blind_Insider 2 points 1y ago
hello, first of all i am very sorry to hear that your grandmother is frustrated. Some things come to mind, the first thing is that they help her for several days to walk and fully recognize the spaces of her new house, detailing in detail the distances and objects so that she memorizes them so that the next time she can walk with less risk. I will also tell you what I read about a device called ARA from Strap Tech which is placed on the chest and through vibrations indicates to people the objects they have on the floor, to the sides, in front and above their head . I don't know if your grandmother uses a cane but if she doesn't use that device she could also be of great use. The important thing is that she feels safe and that she can achieve an independent life.
SiriuslyGranger 1 points 11m ago
Get her some o&m training and other training while you’re at it. Assistive tech and independent living training. The last will teach her how to do daily task as a blind person. And o&m will help her get around better.
[deleted] 1 points 1y ago
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