Do You Have a Loved One Dealing with Blindness?

By Jamie Shapiro | October 17, 2014 | Comments Off on Do You Have a Loved One Dealing with Blindness?

Caregivers in Deerfield, IL – Open Your Mind to Blindness Awareness

October is the month to help more people become aware about blindness. This month is to recognize everyone, young and old, from those who are dealing with the onset of blindness to those who have been blind nearly their entire lives. Being visually impaired is a huge struggle, and the more you know about it, the more you can help. Whether your senior parent is blind or not, there’s still much you can do for those who are living without their sight right now.

How to Participate in Spreading Awareness

Depending on your state, there may be many different activities hosted by local groups you can join. If you know someone who is visually impaired or who is part of a blindness awareness group, talk to them about what you and your elderly parent can do during this month. In New Jersey and Pennsylvania during some years, girl scouts go into the community with bracelets for sale with the letters B.A.M. for blindness awareness month. Other fundraising activities and games are often held at community centers across the country.

Here are some good ways you can spend time with your elderly parent if he or she is blind:

  • Have a family meal together
  • Go for a walk in a familiar or a new place
  • If your mother or father enjoys reading, find a braille copy of a book you think they might like and read it together
  • Learn more about how it’s like to be visually impaired so you can be more empathetic towards your parent and help them with daily tasks
  • Hire a home care provider that specializes with helping blind seniors to care for your mother or father’s specific needs

During October, if you know someone else in the family, or a friend who is having vision problems, it’s about time you paid them a visit. Make the time to go see someone who’s struggling and bring some happiness and companionship into their life. In some states, there are communities and support groups for the blind that you could join or help with fundraisers and other activities. Ask your elderly loved one to participate with you and raise awareness this month.

Meeting the Needs of a Blind Senior

It’s important that your parent feel taken care of in other respects, too. If your senior loved one needs a wheelchair, takes medication or has other health conditions, make sure those needs are met this month as well. Blindness is just one thing that an elderly person might have to adjust to in their life. They also need your love, time, and gentle encouragement. As much as possible, it’s good for their emotional and mental health to keep up hobbies they enjoyed before their vision was impaired. Talk to your trained caregiver about fun and fulfilling activities for the blind.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring caregiving services in Deerfield IL, -contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our senior care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

Jamie Shapiro
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