3 Low Vision Devices That Help Elderly Adults

By Hedi Huebler | February 14, 2019 |

When elderly adults have low vision, it means they are not able to see well eno

Caregiver Bay Village OH: 3 Low Vision Devices That Help Elderly Adults

ugh to have their vision corrected by standard methods, such as reading glasses. Low vision can be a result of age-related vision loss or from an eye disease like glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts or diabetic retinopathy. Low vision can have a dramatic impact on their quality of life and their self-confidence.

Sometimes the low vision is serious enough that they cannot live independently anymore as they cannot see well enough to complete basic daily tasks like cleaning, cooking, driving, and getting dressed. In these instances, they rely on family caregivers and home care providers for assistance. In addition to having in-home care from elderly care providers, many family caregivers also make adaptations to the home for safer and more convenient living. The final step to accommodating low vision seniors is utilizing low vision devices.

Low vision devices are tools that help elderly adults with sight issues see and read better. They may also substitute audio and other communication methods for sight. Family caregivers and home care providers are capable of doing everything for the senior, but most elderly adults want to remain as independent as possible. Low vision devices allow them to do that.

Here are 3 low vision devices that help elderly adults with daily tasks:

1. Stand and Hand-held Magnifiers

These magnifiers come in a range of options. Some can rest flat on a book page or newspaper and enlarge the text, while others are mounted on a swivel neck for flexibility. The hand-held variety is useful for quick reading, while more stable ones are best suited for longer goals or for portable use. Most seniors can use these with bifocals and standard glasses. Many of these magnifiers come with built in lights and they are relatively affordable.

2. Magnifying Reading Glasses and Loupes

Looking at small objects and words can be very difficult for seniors with low vision, so there are special magnified reading glasses that help them see better. The advantages of these glasses are that they are portable, affordable and comfortable, leaving the hands free. Similarly, clip-on loupes offer magnification ability for conventional glasses and they may deliver a higher power than other options. A loupe’s field of vision may be smaller, however, making it best for up-close work like sewing.

3. Telescopes, Telemicroscopic Glasses and Monoculars

Once seniors have the low vision devices to see up close, many want to figure out how to see far away. Telescopes, telemicroscopic glasses and monoculars all bring distant objects into view. They can help seniors with low vision see things like sheet music, computer screens, birds and wildlife and stage performances, to name a few. Unlike the celestial observers, telescopes and monoculars for low vision clip onto glasses much like loupes or are hand-held. They come in a range of powers to suit every need.

Seniors with low vision may never be able to regain the quality of vision they once had. However, with family caregivers, home care providers and low vision devices, they can lead a comfortable life despite poor vision.

If you are considering Caregivers in Bay Village, OH, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Four Seasons Home Care today: (440) 716-9100.

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Hedi Huebler

Owner at Four Seasons Home Care

My name is Hedi Huebler.I’m the owner of Four Seasons Home Care, a privately owned local non-medical home care business.After caring for my parents in their home, my husband, a Registered Nurse, and I, realized how important it was for my parents to remain independent and in their home.As my parents’ health declined, we moved them in with our family.Due to that experience, we started Four Seasons Home Care.

We presently serve Cuyahoga and Lorain County.Our services include Companionship Services, Home Care Services, Personal Care Services and Transportation Services.We understand how situations change and the services are designed to reflect those changes and allow flexibility with those needs.

We are licensed, bonded, insured and all caregivers are carefully selected, background checked in all 50 states, drug tested and receive extensive training to provide exceptional service.They also complete a multi-phase training program with on-going educational seminars that keep the caregivers up to date on all facets of Home Care.

We offer free in-home consultations and complimentary caregiver introductions are provided.If you have any questions, please call me at your convenience and thank you for your consideration.