Visual impairment can be caused by a lot of factors with age being among them. A recent study indicates that the number of American older adults with visual impairment will hit 8 million in the next 30 years. That goes to show just how prevalent age-related vision loss can be among the aging population. Moreover, vision loss at an advanced age can have damaging repercussions on the health and well-being of the elderly. It can lead to depression as a result of the inability to live independently.
Fortunately, there is a way to make life bearable despite vision loss at an older age. The secret is to move your loved one to senior living apartments in Lakeside, VA, or any other area of your choice. These apartments are equipped with highly trained caregivers, top-notch amenities, and a secure environment to support the healthy living of elders with vision impairment. Read on to find out how an expertly designed senior community can benefit elderly folks with vision loss.
Removal of Falling or Tripping Hazards
Falls are a major risk among the elderly especially those with vision impairment. Tripping and falling hazards increase their likelihood to fall and incur life-threatening injuries or even death in worse cases. Fortunately, many retirement communities understand this concern and are consistently working to secure the living areas of older adults with vision loss.
They do this by ensuring that areas that are regularly used do not have any obstructions. Furniture that might trigger accidents is subsequently done away with. The maintenance crew works to ensure the floors are dry at all times to prevent slipping. Likewise, old rugs or carpets are replaced with new ones too. Cables and all unused stuff are eradicated from the living area to create clear walking paths.
Increased Lighting
Older adults with poor vision need extra lighting to perceive their environment and avoid accidents. That is why senior apartments make it a top priority to install more lighting in common areas as well as within the apartments. Other than that, the light switches are fitted on the visible surface to give residents an easy time. The maintenance team is always on standby to change defective light components.
Minimal Window Glare
Window glare can be very distracting for older adults with poor vision. It takes a moment for the eyes to adjust to the bright light coming from the window glare. Essentially, one will be blinded temporarily after being exposed to window glare. That is why senior living apartments should ensure that all windows are sufficiently covered by drapes, blinds, and other types of coverings to keep off the glare.
Installing Handrails
Elderly folks with poor vision struggle a lot when it comes to moving from one place to another. For easy movement, senior living apartments equip all common places with handrails to provide guidance and support for seamless movement. Handholds and railings should be added on either side of the common areas of the apartments to enhance safety and security.
Make the Steps Distinguishable
It will be easier for aging folks who are visually impaired to identify stairs if they are marked in contrasting colors. That can be accomplished by marking the edges of the steps with colorful tape straps. Paints, carpets, and stair covers can also be utilized to create better contrast. Increased contrast reduces the risk of missing steps for elderly people with low vision.
