Vision loss can greatly affect the participation levels and safety of older people experiencing vision difficulties due to age-related conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, macular degeneration, or age-related changes in vision. Older people losing vision may become isolated and depressed, feeling they cannot maintain an active, independent lifestyle.

Also, different eye conditions affect the ability to see and function in varying ways. For example, macular degeneration affects central vision and the ability to read, see faces, and drive. Glaucoma, on the other hand, affects peripheral vision.

Ten Tips to Help You Provide a Friendlier, Safer Environment

  1. Control glare by using appropriate window coverings and adjustable lighting.
  2. Increase the use of contrast in the facility by painting door trims a contrasting color, use contrasting light switch covers, use contrast in the bathroom, and put contrasting tape on steps.
  3. Use bold, sans-serif fonts and white or light-yellow paper for handouts such as activity calendars and high contrast, tactile signage. Make sure the print size is at least 18 point.
  4. Provide enlarged, tactile versions of games, e.g., playing cards, bingo cards and board games.
  5. Provide bold line pens and offer signature guides for signing documents.
  6. To guide a person, identify yourself verbally. Say the person’s name so they know that you are talking to them. When guiding, don’t try to push or pull. Let them take your arm just above the elbow.
  7. Speak directly to the person who is blind or low vision, not through another person. Speak normally and don’t be afraid to use words that relate to vision: “It is nice to see you today!” Don’t walk away from the person without telling them.
  8. Ask the person if they need to know where items are on their plate. Offer to tell them the location of silverware, napkins, and table condiments like salad dressing or salt and pepper. Depending on their wishes, explaining the layout of food in terms of a clockface can help.  Also using color contrast for the place setting and food is often helpful.
  9. Use clear, verbal descriptions when giving directions and offer a tour of the facility, including how to find restrooms. Explain landmarks they can use to get around and use words like “right” or “left.” Do not use terms like “it’s over there.”
  10. Let people know if you make changes in the arrangement of furniture in public areas of the facility.

Resources

  1. Accessible Pharmacy Services: A home delivery pharmacy service specializing in individuals who have disabilities. Call: 1- 888-633-7007 or email info@AccessiblePharmacy.com
  2. AFB: Best Practices Guide for Hospitals | American Foundation for the Blind
  3. APH ConnectCenter: The trained staff of the APH ConnectCenter Information and Referral Line help connect people with vision loss to services. Call: 1-800-232-5463 (M-F, 8a-8p ET) or email connectcenter@aph.org
  4. APH Directory of Services: Provides over 2,000 profiles of agencies serving people who are blind or visually impaired categorized by type of services such as low vision and daily living.
  5. Aging and Vision Loss Toolkit: Offers information and resources for aging service providers to provide accessible and appropriate services to older people with vision loss.
  6. Getting Started 2020: A Guide for People New to Vision Loss – VisionAware — Offer tips for living with Vision Loss in English/Spanish
  7. Hadley: Provides free learning opportunities online, large print, or by telephone for people who are blind or low vision and their families. Call 800-323-4238.
  8. Helen Keller National Center for Deafblind: Their older adult specialist and 11 HKNC regional representatives provide information about resources and training opportunities that are available nationally for older people with hearing and vision loss.
  9. I Can Connect: Provides free equipment and training for people with both significant hearing and vision loss who meet the program’s disability and income eligibility guidelines.
  10. National Library Service the Blind and Print Disabled: Provides free braille and talking book library service for people with low vision, blindness, or a physical, perceptual, or reading disability that prevents them from using regular print materials. Call 888- 657-7323.
  11. Resources | OIB-TAC & Continuing Education | OIB-TAC: The Older Individuals who are Blind — Technical Assistance Center provides resources, trainings, and free courses for those serving older individuals who are blind or have low vision. They also offer the course “Tips for Helping People with Vision Problems.”
  12. Support Groups: The VisionAware support group section offers information on in person, virtual, phone, or hybrid groups.
  13. VA Blind and Low Vision Services: The Veterans Administration provides advanced vision care and rehabilitation services to help Veterans or active-duty service members live an independent life.
  14. VisionAware Professional Resources — tips / helpful articles
  15. Vision Health - Tennessee Public Health Training Center — Offers CEs for medical personnel.
  16. Well Connected — A virtual community through Front Porch offers phone/and online activities that build community.