צוות iSavta | 10.12.2019

To some blindness could mean all vision is either blurred or totally lost. If you are a caregiver for a blind person, consider the following tips on how you can provide them the best care and support.

1. Find support online and within your community.

There are services and support groups that could be helpful when caring for someone with vision loss. The good news is that you could find these either in your community or online. These support groups may provide you links to informative videos, online chat support, or you may be lucky to find your best friend in these groups.

2. Keep flooring light and simple.

Patterned floors may be a headache to blind people who experience a hazy vision or blind people who have problems with identifying colors. Moreover, avoid shiny flooring as it may also be mistaken for water.

3. Say your name

Assist the blind identify people by either saying other people’s name or telling others to introduce themselves when talking to the blind.

4. Give details

Create a story when you are with the blind person. For example, when you go to the park together, explain to them what you see, who is with them, and what is happening around. Surely, they would appreciate the details of what’s around them and find comfort in your presence.

5. Do not rearrange house furnitures

Blind people may have trouble if you keep re-arranging the house fixtures. These may complicate things. It is advised that you keep furniture and other objects in familiar places. In addition, keep the house clean and reduce mess to provide a good and simple living space for your blind loved one.

6. Access to water

Prevent dehydration by giving easy access to drinking water. Just like every patient, you need to constantly monitor their fluid intake.

7. Use Velcro

Replace difficult buttons with Velcro fasteners and zippers. This would surely lessen the difficulty in taking their clothes on and off.

8. Grab bars

Grab bars are very helpful for blind people and the elderly. These bars help them keep balance and reduce instances of slipping in wet floors. Install grab bars especially in the bathroom and provide a safe route to the toilet.

9. Medications

Keep medications in a secure place. Blind people definitely needs assistance in taking their medicines and should not do it on their own. Avoid using alarms for reminders as these may distract the blind and cause them to be disoriented. It would be helpful to keep a medication log.

10. Bathing

Never leave your patient unattended during bath time. When giving them a bath, explain what you will do or what you are doing for example you can say “I am going to wash your hair” or “I am going to soap your arms”. It would be also simpler to have bathing routines.

Caring for the blind is hard but extraordinary. These tips will surely help you in providing a more meaningful life to your patient.