February is Low Vision Awareness Month

Low vision is when even with regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, people have difficulty seeing, which makes everyday tasks difficult to do. Activities that used to be simple like reading the mail, shopping, cooking, and writing can become challenging. Most people with low vision are age 65 or older. The leading causes of vision loss in older adults are age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Vision rehabilitation is an option for individuals with low vision.  Vision rehabilitation is one of those best kept secrets, with only about 3% of older people with low vision receive rehabilitation services. Low vision rehabilitation is like physical therapy for someone who has lost a limb. Its purpose is to develop strategies to maximize or substitute for diminished sight to maintain independence and a sense of self-worth. Low Vision Awareness Month is a great time to spread the word about vision rehabilitation — and make sure that people with vision impairment know about the services available to them.

Your environment can have a big impact on your success when living with low vision. Listed are some ideas to help make your home safe:

·        Grab rails installed in the bathroom makes it easier to get up from awkward positions and can simply make you more independent and feel more confident. 

·        Use a telephone with large numbers or voice command options.

·        Have a list of important numbers in large print close to your phone.

·        De-clutter and remove as many non-essential items as possible.

·        Remove throw rugs and loose wires from the floor.

·        Adjust lighting and contrasts in the room.

·        Organize your living space.

·        Place furniture to allow for ease of mobility.

Siena on Brendenwood incorporates many of these features for the safety of our community members.  Bright spacious common areas and apartments with upgraded lighting, safety features of wide doorways with levered handles, and grab bars in the bathroom make your home easy and safe for your independence. Ample cabinets and closets provide storage to keep your home organized and free of clutter. Let us at Siena on Brendenwood help you navigate challenges such as low vison, so you can maintain your independence.