GA Support Services
GA Support Services
The Importance of Social Support in Managing Geographic Atrophy (GA)
Living with geographic atrophy (GA) can be challenging, affecting various aspects of daily life such as cooking, driving, working, and using a computer. In light of these difficulties, social support plays a crucial role in helping individuals adapt both logistically and emotionally. Dr. Sam Dahr, director of the Retina Division at McGovern Medical School, emphasizes the significance of having the right support system in place.
The Emotional Challenges of GA
Coping with GA can bring about a range of emotions for individuals. It’s common for those diagnosed with GA to experience feelings of depression, anxiety, fear of losing independence, or frustration with the length of time required to complete daily tasks. It’s essential to acknowledge and address these emotions, as they can have a significant impact on one’s well-being. Seeking support from others is key to finding a new normal.
The Role of Family and Friends
Friends and family members can be invaluable sources of support throughout the ups and downs of life with GA. The first step is to help them understand the condition. While GA may lead to legal blindness, it does not result in complete loss of vision. Dr. Matt Starr, an ophthalmologist at the Mayo Clinic, explains that it primarily affects fine motor skills, reading, and driving.
To effectively receive assistance, open and honest communication is vital. Preeti Subramanian, director of vision science research at the BrightFocus Foundation, emphasizes the importance of transparent discussions within the affected circle. Clearly stating one’s needs and desire for independence allows everyone involved to better understand how they can support the individual. Here are several practical ways friends and family can help with managing life with GA:
- Assistance with doctor appointments: Transportation to medical appointments, help with organizing medicine bottles and checkbooks, and reading fine print.
- Running errands: Support with grocery shopping, banking, and pharmacy visits through personal assistance or arranging ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
- Technology support: Utilizing accessibility settings on computers and smartphones to enhance visibility. Friends and family members can offer guidance on setting up color contrast, increasing text size, and adapting other features.
- Quality time together: Spending time with loved ones can alleviate feelings of isolation and bring joy. Engaging in activities and finding new hobbies with friends and family can open new avenues for enjoyment and companionship.
Seeking Support in Support Groups
For individuals who feel isolated, joining a support group can provide immense benefits. Support groups offer a space for people with vision loss to share experiences, gain advice, access information, and connect with valuable resources. Being in the company of others who understand the challenges of GA can reduce feelings of loneliness and provide a platform for self-expression.
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Support groups can be either online or in-person, and suggestions can be obtained from vision specialists or medical professionals. Some notable options include the BrightFocus AMD Community Circle, Facebook groups, FightingBlindness.org, MDSupport.org, Veterans Administration programs, and VisionAware. Here are some tips for optimizing the support group experience:
- Introduce yourself: Take the initiative to meet the group leader before the session begins.
- Arrive early: In in-person meetings, arriving early allows for additional time to connect with the leader and fellow members.
- Ask questions: Actively engage in discussions, seeking clarification and advice from the group.
- Build connections: Stimulate new friendships by organizing meetups outside of the support group setting.
The Role of Medical Professionals
In addition to social support, maintaining contact with medical professionals is crucial for comprehensive care. Seeking guidance from eye doctors and primary care physicians can be beneficial when adjusting to life with GA. They can recommend exercise plans to manage anxiety, depression, and mood-related symptoms. Consulting a vision rehabilitation specialist can further enhance the effective utilization of remaining vision. Lastly, considering therapy with a mental health professional can support individuals in managing the challenges of GA and improving emotional well-being.
In conclusion, living with GA requires the presence of a strong support network. Engaging with friends, family, support groups, and medical professionals can provide the emotional, logistical, and practical assistance needed to navigate the challenges presented by GA. By embracing social support, individuals can strive for a fulfilling and meaningful life, adapting to their new circumstances with resilience and positivity.
