The Role of Caregivers: Putting on Your Oxygen Mask First
Supporting a Loved One with Vision Loss
Caring for a Loved One with Vision Loss
By Linda Chernek Moore, as told to Keri Wiginton
Whether you’re living with someone or not, being a caregiver can consume your life. But just like they say before takeoff, put your oxygen mask on first. In other words, you can’t care for others if you don’t care for yourself.
I also caution against being a helicopter caregiver. Instead, if your loved one has vision loss, help them find solutions to maintain their independence.
Let Me Tell You About My Dad
I’m 70 years old now, and I cared for my father before he passed away in 2012. My father was diagnosed with geographic atrophy (GA), which is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causing varying degrees of vision loss. At the time, I wish I had known more about how to help him. This led me to start Our Macular Degeneration Journey on Facebook to provide information and support for caregivers and individuals with AMD.
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My dad’s vision problems took us by surprise. He kept it to himself until we saw him wearing dark sunglasses and complaining about not being able to see certain things. Looking back, I now realize those were early signs of AMD.
It was challenging to manage their care since my parents lived in Pennsylvania and my husband and I were 700 miles away in Georgia. We couldn’t move closer, so we had to rely on long-distance caregiving.
Long-Distance Caregiving
To stay updated on my parents’ well-being, I regularly reached out to their friends and other family members for information. Sometimes, I would learn more about my parents through these conversations than by talking to my dad directly.
Fortunately, my husband, a retired occupational therapist with expertise in seniors and Alzheimer’s, was a great help. We took my dad to get magnifiers and created a system for managing my mom’s medication. Looking back, we could have done better if we had known about low-vision adaptive tools and techniques.
How Caregivers Can Help Loved Ones With Vision Loss
My dad was hesitant to accept our support, but he appreciated it when we sat with him in person, helping him find ways to make his life easier. Knowing what’s available now, I wish I could have suggested these tools to him:
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Low-vision optometrist and occupational therapist: Taking your loved one to specialists who understand their needs and can provide guidance is crucial.
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Magnifiers and telescopic glasses: There are various magnifiers and telescopic glasses available to help with different vision issues.
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Video magnifiers or CCTVs: These devices can assist with reading, grooming, and other daily activities by enlarging and enhancing the visual details.
To know what your loved one sees, you can try simple activities. Get a newspaper or write down some words and ask them to identify any difficulties. You can also use an old-fashioned clock with numbers and observe which ones they struggle to see.
My Best Advice for Caregivers
It’s easy to neglect your own needs as a caregiver. However, prioritizing a healthy diet, exercise, and stress management is critical. Additionally, having a strong support network is vital for everyone involved. Reach out to friends, family, online groups, or local communities for assistance.
Learn as much as possible about GA and understand how the condition changes over time. Explore low-vision aids, services, and specialists to enhance your friend or family member’s quality of life despite the disease.
For those who find themselves scared after a diagnosis, remember that fear can be combated with information. In our Facebook community, I feel like a caregiver to many, providing support and knowledge.
So, remember, as a caregiver, take care of yourself first, empower your loved ones with vision loss, and seek the tools and support you need to navigate this journey together.
Stay strong and never underestimate the power of knowledge and connection!
Read Next: If you want to learn more about caregiving tips and supporting loved ones with vision loss, click here for an in-depth article that dives deeper into the subject.
Join the Conversation: Have you been a caregiver? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! Let’s learn from each other and support one another on this caregiving journey.
