Choosing an Assisted Living Community for Blind Seniors

Vision loss in the elderly is more common than you think. In fact, estimates are that one-in-six people in this country age 65 and up lives with some degree of vision loss. For adult children, it can be a constant source of concern if a parent who is blind or has a vision impairment lives alone.

Everyday tasks can present a challenge to a senior with vision loss. From navigating stairs to a lack of transportation to finding ways to safely prepare healthy meals, living alone can be tough for vision-impaired seniors. And for the people who love them.

One solution may be an assisted living community. It will provide your senior loved one with the assistance he or she needs to stay independent while still enjoying the security of a supportive environment.

Assisted Living as an Option for Seniors with Vision Loss

The good news is that the environment, services and amenities of an assisted living community are designed to support the needs of older adults. This includes people with vision loss.

The amount of support your senior loved one needs will depend on the extent of their vision loss. They can take advantage of:

• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Escorts to and from the dining and activity rooms
• Well-balanced meals served to them
• Assistance with bathing, dressing and grooming
• Transportation services for appointments and other community outings

Here are a few tips for making the most of your tour:

• Don’t Hesitate to Ask Questions: Before your tour, prepare a list of questions you want to ask. Your goal should be to leave with a good understanding of the community and its caregivers. For example, ask if the caregiving team received special training to help them understand how to work with older adults who have vision loss? Does the staff understand the differences between various types of vision loss, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration? Is the dining room set up to be friendly for blind or vision impaired seniors? Is help available to escort your senior loved one to and from the dining room until they are able to learn their way?
• Assess the Environment: Is the physical plant of the assisted living community designed to make it easier for someone with vision loss to find their way around? Is the environment tidy and free from clutter that could present a fall hazard? Do windows have coverings that can help minimize glare? Do signs within the community and monthly newsletters have large print to make it easier for a senior with vision problems to read?
• Ask about Life Enrichment Activities: A big part of the day in an assisted living community is the life enrichment. With programs ranging from art classes to wellness activities, clubs and informal gatherings, it is a lifestyle that helps older adults age well. Ask what steps the community’s caregivers take to help keep seniors with vision loss actively engaged.

Tour Elmcroft Senior Living Today

We extend an open invitation to you and your loved one with vision loss to tour Elmcroft Senior Living. Schedule a tour for a time that is convenient for you!