Aging can come with a plethora of different challenges depending on the person, due to all of the physical changes that our bodies undergo as we age. Sensory impairments are an especially common problem that the elderly face in the U.S., including vision impairment. Thankfully, older adults experiencing such problems can rely on resources provided by retirement communities to continue leading a lifestyle with high quality of life well after their diagnosis. Here’s how assisted living in Fort Myers, FL can be a safe space for an elderly individual with vision impairment issues.
What Challenges Do the Elderly with Vision Impairment Face?
Vision impairment can be one of the scariest forms of sensory decline a person can experience, leading to an affected patient becoming afraid to engage in activities they previously participated in without issue because they feel unsafe. Sensory loss to an extent is completely normal, with most vision-related changes accelerating when one reaches their mid-50s. Most people who experience vision impairment encounter difficulties with adapting to their new lifestyle when it comes to walking and navigating, being used to having regular vision for most of their life. Furthermore, they’ll most likely have to give up on certain activities they enjoy such as driving, due to them being unable to interpret road signs and judge distances accurately.
How Can Assisted Living Help?
Assisted living communities are staffed with a team of caregivers that can support residents with vision-related issues and help them through the various challenges they face every day. Whether a resident is experiencing glaucoma, ocular hypertension, or cataracts, an assisted living community should be equipped with the resources to support said resident with navigating everyday life despite these conditions. Many assisted living communities provide therapy visits as well as health and wellness programs that not only help residents with vision impairment to navigate their environment but also cope with the physical and mental health consequences that could entail.
Factors to Look Out for
When touring around for assisted living communities in Fort Myers, FL for yourself or a visually impaired loved one, here are a few factors to consider that make a community more accessible for visually impaired persons:
- Professionally Trained Staff: Ideally, the carers in the assisted living community of choice should thoroughly understand the needs of visually impaired elderly individuals.
- Accessibly Designed Amenities: The common areas should be easy for visually impaired individuals to navigate, with well-distributed lighting and no confusing patterns on the carpets.
- Safely Designed Homes: Homes should be a safe and accessible environment for the visually impaired, being fitted with anti-slip flooring in bathrooms and other safety measures.
Questions to Ask the Community Team
Take advantage of the tours assisted living communities provide by asking your guide specific questions, such as:
- Is the team trained to accommodate those with vision disabilities?
- What kind of amenities and services are provided for residents with vision-related issues?
- Does the community provide escort services from a visually impaired resident’s unit to common areas?
Are you looking for a retirement community that can account for your or your loved one’s needs? Consider our community’s excellent Assisted Living program!
