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10 Tips To Help Older Loved Ones
Overcome Visual Challenges
WESTPORT, CT, May 31, 2007 – Loss of
vision can put older adults at greater risk of falls
and injuries, and it can limit general activities. While
there is little you can do to protect your loved ones
from some of the common eye diseases affecting elders,
you can help to safeguard them and make their day-to-day
lives more convenient. Just follow these 10 simple tips:
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1. |
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Return objects to the same
place after they are used. Sometimes moving objects
just a short distance can make it difficult for
your loved one to locate them.
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2. |
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Place colorful tape along
the edge of steps to alert your loved one to a change
in level.
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3. |
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Remove throw rugs from the
floor. These could cause your loved one to trip
and fall.
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4. |
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Consider buying voice-capable
equipment, such as talking clocks, calculators,
scales and computers.
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5. |
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Use high mark or spot line
pens to make appliance buttons, dials or labels
more visible.
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6. |
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Ask your bank about special
checks with raised or large print. Many banks supply
these checks at little or no extra charge. Pay-by-phone
options offer another alternative to paying bills
by check.
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7. |
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Purchase or borrow books
on tape (available on CDs and cassette tapes) or
audio magazines from your local bookstore or library.
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8. |
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Purchase a magnifying glass
(some even have built-in lights) for your loved
one to enlarge the print of newspapers and books,
and aid in sewing or other small tasks and hobbies.
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9. |
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Use the clock method to
help your loved one locate food if he or she has
severely limited vision. For example, “Your meat
is at 9 o'clock, your potato is at 12 o'clock and
your carrots are at 3 o'clock.”
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10. |
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Tape large print labels
to containers of canned or frozen goods in the kitchen. |
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Aging & Caregiving series was created for
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Inc.
For 22 years, LifeCare has provided people with specialty
care services and customized care plans for all aspects
of their personal and professional lives, including
elder care and healthy aging, child care and parenting,
financial and legal matters, and more. LifeCare's Successful
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the full spectrum of mid-life and aging issues, including
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Media contact: Michael Civiello
LifeCare, Inc.
pr1@lifecare.com
203-291-4170
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