What Signs Indicate That Seniors Might Be Losing Their Vision?
Changes in health come with aging, including changes to things like vision. This is one of those changes that can come on so slowly that it’s difficult to notice at first. The sooner seniors get help with their failing vision, the better. Companion care at home can be a huge help with this process, especially if seniors aren’t aware that they have vision trouble yet.
Complaints about Vision Trouble
One straightforward way to recognize when seniors are having vision trouble is when they complain about vision issues. Mentioning blurry vision, trouble focusing, difficulty reading, or pain in the eyes or head can all be indications that someone is dealing with vision issues. Seniors might ignore these symptoms or even consider them to be temporary issues, but they’re an indication that an eye exam is warranted.
Moving Extremely Carefully
Something that seniors might not notice, but that other people will, is when seniors start to move overly cautiously. They may lean on the wall to feel their way through a room, for instance. This is an indication that navigating safely is becoming more difficult. Home care providers may notice this and let families know that it’s happening.
Seeming to Be Confused in Familiar Spaces
Vision loss makes it difficult for people to recognize familiar spaces. That happens even in places that seniors know very well. Confusion or disorientation in areas that seniors have normally been comfortable in is a big warning sign. Improving lighting can help some with this issue, but it’s also important to figure out what is happening with the individual’s vision.
Body Language Signs Associated with Vision Loss
When seniors are having trouble with their vision or are experiencing vision loss, there are body language indications. These signs might include squinting a lot, tilting the head, or rubbing eyes a lot more often. Sometimes these gestures are subconscious, so it might take someone else pointing them out before seniors realize that there is something going on.
Trouble Identifying Visual Cues
Daily life involves relying on visual cues for communicating and getting things done. But seniors with vision trouble may not be able to even notice visual cues. They could have more trouble identifying faces, subtle changes in the environment around them, and expressions of the people they’re talking to.
Self-isolation or Avoiding Favorite Activities or Socializing
Vision loss can change so much for seniors. They may start to lose confidence and feel less independent. This can lead directly to self-isolation and withdrawing from favorite activities and people. Companion care at home can help aging adults to have their socialization needs met and also offers help boosting their self-confidence.
When seniors are starting to lose their vision, it’s important to address the situation as soon as possible. Companion care at home can be a great start to help seniors understand the changes they’re experiencing while also offering them a friendly person to talk to. This also helps family caregivers to stay aware of how things are progressing so that more help can be added if necessary.
If you or an aging loved one is considering companion care at home in Scottsdale, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!