As people get older:
They have problems with their vision due to changes in the eye muscles.
These problems include:
- Trouble reading small print without reading glasses.
- Difficulty seeing objects off to the side.
- Problems seeing in dim light or at night.
- Trouble seeing certain colors. (Blues, greens and purples all tend to look alike.)
Also recognize that your elderly loved ones produce fewer tears causing dry eyes. In addition, cataracts and eye infections are common. Some gradual hearing loss is also normal. Typically, elderly seniors complain of difficulty in hearing higher-pitched sounds.
The inner ear stiffens causing it to distort sound or cause ringing in the ears. This can also affect a person’s balance. As we age, the tongue has fewer taste buds, especially for sweet and salt. As such, help your elderly loved ones avoid using too much salt or sugar to their food because it may cause them to lose their appetite. Seniors also experience a lessened sense of smell so they may have trouble identifying common odors.
To Help Your Elderly Loved Ones With Sensory Problems, You Should:
- Be sure to get their attention first before speaking to them. If they have some hearing loss, they’ll have a better chance of understanding you if they look at you while you speak.
- Speak in short, simple sentences. In addition, lower the tone of your voice
(since high-pitched sounds are harder to hear).
Encourage your senior loved ones to use their hearing aids and /or glasses. If they don’t seem to want to use them, try to find out why. For example, are the hearing aids uncomfortable? Perhaps they can be adjusted. Are the glasses the right prescription? Maybe the client needs to see an eye doctor.
Avoid moving furniture and/or personal items because this will help your loved one with vision problems know their environment. Make sure they have good lighting, especially if they are trying to read or write. In addition, use a night light near the bed and/or in the bathroom.
Guard against falls…especially if you notice your loved one has a problem with balance.
Remember…Watch For & Report:
- Any new vision problems
- Any new hearing loss
- Problems with hearing aids or eyeglasses
- Problems with balance
At Comfort Keepers we seek to be a resource to you because we are Comfort Keepers caregivers and we are here to help! Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 855-592-0013.
