Tips and Tricks for Low Vision Seniors and Their Loved Ones

By Ed Haines

This is the time of year for new year’s resolutions. Aside from resolving to eat more healthily and exercise more often, organization often tops people’s lists. Keeping organized can take on special importance but can also seem a bit daunting as people lose their vision. However, by utilizing a few basic adaptive strategies and aids, anyone with low vision can start the new year in an organized fashion. If you or someone you know has low vision, the Low Vision Focus @ Hadley is pleased to present its Top Tips and Tricks to resolve to make your year safer, simpler and more accessible:

• If sending holiday thank you cards is on your to do list, using a writing guide or template and a flair tipped pen can keep this activity easy and enjoyable.
• Why not transfer a contact list in an old address book to a new, large print version? This can be a terrific activity for a helpful grandchild.
• If favorite recipes are becoming difficult to read, consider re-typing them in large, bold font and preserving them in a large print recipe book. You might also consider sliding each page into a plastic sleeve that can be wiped clean of spills. What a perfect gift for a friend or relative with low vision!
• Speaking of cooking, when preparing a meal, keep all pot handles turned toward the side of the stove. This will keep them out of the way and prevent unnecessary spills.
• Make sure all extension cords are safely out of the way of foot traffic to prevent accidents.
• When visiting friends and family, why not bring along a flashlight to illuminate dark walkways and entryways?
• If company visits, ask them to remember to close cabinets, not to leave doors ajar, and to respect home organization.
• Shopping can be a pleasure, but reading small labels on merchandise can be difficult. Bringing along a handheld magnifier can make the experience easier.
• Going out to eat with friends is fun. Organizing your cash beforehand can reduce confusion when paying your bill. Keep denominations in separate compartments of your wallet or have a system or folding bills for identification.
• Finally, a large print calendar and a low vision or talking watch will keep you up to speed on all your appointments and activities!

So don’t let low vision interfere with your quality of life in 2016 and beyond!

For more information on how the Low Vision Focus @ Hadley can help you or someone you know, please visit our website www.lowvisionfocus.org, or call (855) 830-5355 to find out about our free programs and materials.