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Author: Home Helpers Home Care

Some vision issues are obvious to everyone involved, especially when seniors have trouble reading or engaging in other activities they do every day. But sometimes vision changes are more subtle and seniors may not realize they’ve been compensating for their vision issues. Home care providers may also help seniors start to notice when they’re experiencing some of these changes.

Trouble Navigating

When it’s difficult for seniors to navigate safely, including in their own homes, that’s a big problem. Seniors might find that they start to bump into objects, trip, or run their hands against the wall to help them walk safely in a room. These signs may get worse as the vision issues worsen, as well.

Confusion

Sometimes vision changes cause confusion for aging adults. They may have more trouble recognizing familiar people or places, have a tough time identifying objects, or even struggle to differentiate colors. If they don’t notice that these issues are related to vision changes, they might feel confused about the difficulty they’re having navigating these situations.

Trouble Reaching for Objects

Some vision issues cause seniors to have trouble grasping items. They might reach over or around the object, thinking that they’re much closer to it than they are. This might lead to accidents, spills, or other situations that could lead to falls or injuries. Elder care providers can help seniors with these challenges by placing items where they’re easy for seniors to find them safely.

Quitting Favorite Activities

When seniors have trouble seeing well, they’re less likely to engage in activities they used to love. They might skip out on hobbies like reading or walking outside. Close-up hobbies like needlework or working with small items like model making may become impossible. It’s easy then for aging adults to become frustrated and irritated, because they’re no longer doing things they love.

Hygiene Changes

Another area that suffers when it comes to vision changes is hygiene. Seniors may not notice when their clothes are dirty, for instance, or they might wear clothes that don’t match. Home care providers can help with these issues by helping seniors with laundry, personal care tasks, and finding clothing combinations that go well together.

New Eye or Head Pain

Any time seniors experience new pain in their head or eyes, they need to talk with their doctors and possibly their eye doctors as well. These new pains can indicate that there is something deeper going on that needs to be investigated. The solution might be a simple one, like changing out an eyeglass prescription, but until they get it checked out, seniors won’t have the answers they need.

Regular eye exams are still important, even for aging adults. Vision changes can occur with little warning, so it’s important for family caregivers and seniors to be aware of the signs that can indicate that changes are occurring. Home care providers can also help aging adults stay alert for signs that they’re dealing with changing vision so they can do something to accommodate their needs.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Dyer, IN, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana today at (219) 244-2533.

Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana provides exceptional home and facility care for seniors in Highland, Munster, Crown Point, Schererville, Dyer, Saint John, Valparaiso, Cedar Lake, Griffith, Lowell and the surrounding areas.