When Caregivers Become Their Patient’s Eyes: Caring for the Visually Impaired
Visual impairment can perhaps be one of the most challenging physical disabilities a person could have. When eyesight is poor, it closes or clouds the windows to everything around, especially to the people we hold dear. It becomes difficult to move around and see where one is going.
According to the National Federation of the Blind, 2.3% of the U.S. adult population (16 to 75+ years of age) have a visual disability. That means some 7,297,000 Americans need help because either they cannot see very well or are totally blind.
Not all visual impairment cases are inborn. Many cases of poor vision come with aging or common chronic diseases such as diabetes and stroke, which means caregivers will likely interact with these patients.
If you are a caring for a person with vision impairment, you will most likely encounter challenges in these areas:
1. Communicating with the patient.
Although you can speak with the patient and they can reply verbally, there is some limitation as to the information made available to them. They become mostly reliant on what they are told and can hear, while most information available to people is usually visual. This puts a limitation on the patient’s decision-making.
2. Exploring the environment.
Even basic self-care requires a person to explore their environment. Toileting, bathing, eating, getting supplies and clothes, all require someone to take steps within their immediate surroundings.
3. Most visually impaired patients have other health needs.
Because visual disability is common in the elderly and those with chronic conditions, they will need special care other than just for eyesight problems.
Successfully provide care by following these helpful tips:
1. Be prepared to handle a frustrated patient, especially if the vision loss is total and sudden.
Patience and empathy will be your best allies if your patient gets cranky or irritable. Allow room for clumsiness—soups and other liquids will be spilled, fragile items will be broken, and the patient may need constant supervision. Be understanding of their situation, especially if they have other health problems.
2. Always keep the patient’s safety in mind.
This is the priority. People with visual impairment are at a high risk for falls and accidents. Change their environment to keep them safe by removing clutter and other fall hazards, such as throw rugs, footstools, and pots. Provide good lighting if the patient has some vision left. Create a wide path or clear a path that they can master on their own to get to different areas of the home.
3. Encourage independence.
Preserving a visually impaired patient’s independence will help keep their morale intact. If they know that they can still do things on their own, the patient may be less likely to feel hopeless. Just make sure that they are safe at all times while you encourage independence.
4. Be a good navigator.
During the period of adjustment, patients will need a lot of help with just about everything. It’s like the game, Pin the Tail on the Donkey, where someone tries to tell you exactly where to pin the donkey’s tail as you are blindfolded.
As you promote independence, describe to the patient their immediate surroundings.
a. At meal times, when you put the tray in front of them, tell the patient what they are having and describe their food. For example, say, "You are having roast chicken, mushroom soup, and mashed potatoes for dinner. There’s also a small bowl of fruit salad at the upper right of your plate for dessert. The soup is at the upper left side of your plate, and it is very hot.”
b. As you assist your patient when they are using the bathroom, say, “Let’s count the number of steps to the toilet.”
c. When you see them groping to locate something, say, “Directly in front of you at chest level is your toothbrush holder. “
5. Keep the motivation coming.
Caregivers have the ability to bond with patients because they usually help in long-term care. They are key to a patient's will to cope and have a good life even given their disability. If you are a caregiver, boost your patient's morale by recognizing even small signs of progress. Giving simple comments like, "You look really nice in that red shirt" or "You are doing great today" go a long way.
6. Provide your patient with tools to help them cope.
If those with low vision are using corrective lenses or eyeglasses, keep them within reach at all times, or better yet, provide a necklace chain for their eyeglasses. Some might benefit from using a magnifying glass when reading. If the patient is blind, they may have a cane with them. As you care for your patient, make sure that their assistive devices are well within reach.
