How Glaucoma Can Affect Your Senior’s Life

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month and a time to refresh your knowledge about the impact that glaucoma can have on health and quality of life. There is currently no cure for glaucoma, but there are treatments available to help protect remaining vision and slow progression of the disease

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Glaucoma results from an increase in pressure in the eye that causes damage to the optic nerve. This pressure can be triggered by poor fluid circulation and drainage in the eye. Treatment aims to reduce and stabilize pressure, decrease fluid production, or reroute the flow of fluid for better drainage.

Damage to the optic nerve can impair peripheral vision and, over time, eventually affect central vision as well. Without clear peripheral vision seniors may feel as though they are looking through a tunnel. This can have a negative impact on activities of daily living as well as safety and socialization.

Difficulty driving: Not being able to quickly see what is approaching from the side can make driving more dangerous. Seniors may be slower to react to hazardous situations and at increased risk of getting in an accident.

Balance problems: Glaucoma can make it more difficult to maintain steady balance as well. Seniors may have trouble navigating stairs, narrow spaces, or cluttered areas. They may bump into things more frequently or trip and stumble. This can increase their fear of falling and make them more cautious when moving about. They may need to use assistive devices or hold on to handrails to feel more secure.

Problems reading: It can become more challenging to absorb information and take in material when reading as vision becomes more limited. Sensitivity to light can also affect their ability to see and interpret words. This can also make it more difficult to enjoy puzzle books, read and respond to mail or email, complete paperwork, read instructions, or read for enjoyment.

Decreased socialization: The combination of these things can reduce socialization and leave seniors feeling more isolated. They may be hesitant to get out and about because they can’t navigate as well both walking and driving, and may not be able to enjoy themselves fully because of lack of vision. Fear of further visual impairment or eventual blindness can also take a toll on mental health and lead to depression or anxiety.

All of these things can impact quality of life for seniors. Early detection is key to help preserve as much eyesight as possible and slow progression of the disease. Regular eye exams can aid in detecting changes in vision and risk factors for glaucoma and other diseases. For those who do have glaucoma or other vision problems, an in-home caregiver or assisted living facility can offer necessary support and safety. Making simple modifications around the home and to normal routines can help to accommodate for vision changes and enhance quality of life. Being proactive and getting help early can help support continued independence and protect vision.

Strategies for Adjusting to a New Caregiver

It can be difficult for seniors to admit that they need help and would benefit from the assistance of a caregiver. However, in-home care can support them in maintaining their independence as they age in place. There are varying levels of care so the right amount of help is provided according to their specific needs. Whether they are welcoming a caregiver for the first time or transitioning from one to another, there will be a period of adjustment. Family can help to ease these changes and build a trusting and respectful relationship.

Find a caregiver that fits with your loved one’s personality. It is important to find someone that your senior will get along with. They will be spending varying amounts of time together and the caregiver may be assisting with personal care tasks, so you want to make sure they feel comfortable with each other. Let the home care agency know about any special needs or requests so that they can find someone who may be a good match.

Talk to your senior ahead of time. Let them know what to expect so they are not caught off guard. Discuss the types of services or assistance that will be provided, when the person will be there, and how they can benefit your loved one. It can be a big change having someone else in their home, so give them a chance to ask questions and get used to the idea.

Facilitate the first few meetings. Introduce yourself and spend time helping your senior to adjust. Sometimes it can help just having someone familiar there until they get to know their caregiver a little better. Try to find common interests and work with the caregiver to understand routines, preferences, and other important information that impacts their relationship and care.

Maintain open communication. Talk to both your loved one and their caregiver on a regular basis. This will allow you to get a better feel for the situation and how things are going. You may be able to assist with resolving simple issues or decide that the match is not working and coordinate a new arrangement. Communication is important as hopefully it will become a lasting and beneficial relationship.

Have patience. It can take some time for your senior to warm up and feel comfortable with someone assisting them. This is a change in what they are used to. Be understanding, compassionate, and supportive. The caregiver is also trained in helping them to adjust, so let them work things out as well.

Home care can be a great way to provide your senior with the support and assistance they need to maintain their independence and safety. Finding the right caregiver can boost your loved one’s quality of life and give you peace of mind. In-home care can be a wonderful investment for the future.

Gift Ideas for your Elderly Parent

The holidays are fast approaching which always brings up the challenge of what to get for friends and family. This can seem especially tough for aging parents as over the years they seem to have accumulated everything they need. If you’re stuck trying to come up with some practical yet meaningful gifts for seniors in your life, here are some ideas to get you started:

Photos/Albums: Many seniors love to share pictures of their family with their friends, especially if they do not get to visit often. Frame a special picture or create a small album to give them something to reflect on and reminisce over. For those struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s, it can help to trigger their memory and remind them of some of their favorite stories.

Stimulating Games: Help to keep their mind sharp with an assortment of crossword puzzles, logic puzzles, number games, or other fun challenges. You could also look for card or board games that they can play with friends and enjoy socially while exercising their mind.

Handmade Crafts: Show them how much they are loved with a handmade crafts. Have the grandchildren make cards, pictures, or other trinkets as keepsakes. You could also sew, knit, crochet, paint, or create other gifts that stem from hobbies you enjoy. Sometimes handmade gifts are more meaningful than anything you could buy.

Assistive Equipment: If your elderly parent is starting to have more trouble with daily activities, consider investing in some assistive equipment for them. This could include devices with larger buttons or displays, reachers to help pick things up, safety alerts, or other equipment that will help them maintain their independence while providing some support.

Basket of Goodies: Gather up some of their favorite items and tie them up in a decorative basket. You could include snacks, music, movies, coffee, or gift cards. You could also add lotions, air fresheners, warm socks, or other items that they can use to pamper themselves and feel more comfortable and relaxed.

Home Care: As your parent ages, you may notice that they are starting to need more assistance or are having difficulty remembering or getting around. In-home care through Always Best Care – Asheville/Hendersonville can provide your senior with just the right amount of support as they age in place. From companionship to home help and assistance with personal care, compassionate caregivers are there to meet your aging parent’s needs and give you peace of mind.

This season give your elderly parent a meaningful gift that they will remember. They may not realize how much they can benefit from having as caregiver there to support their needs, safety, and quality of life. As you search for the perfect gift this year, keep these options in mind.