People with vision impairment will often require help with every day tasks they could once complete on their own. They may also require support to enable them to stay in touch with the community, friends and their leisure pursuits.
Age-related vision loss is common as we grow older and can often be corrected with spectacles, eye drops, surgery and other medications. Some eye conditions however, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and other diseases may evolve into blindness or partial-blindness presenting considerable challenges to those affected.
Most people with disabilities wish to be as independent as possible.
1. Read Aloud
Find out what sort of books they like and read to them.
2. Talking Books
Borrow 'Talking Books' from your local library.
3. Share Jokes
Amuse each other with jokes.
Related: Jokes to Share
4. Tactile Games
Play tactile Dominos or Tic-Tac-Toe.
5. Go out for coffee
Take them to a coffee shop once a week for exercise and sensory stimulation.
6. Air Dry Clay
Encourage them to work with air dry clay; use moulds or create a special memento.
Related: Air Dry Clay Activities
7. Join a Social Group
Invite your client to join a group of other vision impaired people for support and socialization.
8. Find a volunteer
Seek out a volunteer for regular visits and companionship.
9. Pet Therapy
Find out what sort of pets they like and invite someone with docile pets to visit.
Related: Pet Therapy in Nursing Homes
10. Gentle Exercise
Aqua aerobics or yoga with clear verbal instructions is popular for fitness and pleasure.
Related: Gentle Chair Exercises
11. Listen to the Radio
Local radio is a source of exciting and interesting programs. Search for:
Related: Free music playlists for the elderly
12. Gardening
Buy a couple of pots, potting mixture and some herb seeds; parsley, basil, thyme. Caring for plants is very therapeutic.
13. Make a Salad
Supervise them as they prepare themselves a fruit or vegetable salad.
Related: How to Start a Garden Club for Seniors
14. Enjoy Trivia Games
Share quizzes, word games and riddles from Golden Carers.
Related: Quizzes to Share
15. Go for a walk
A walk in the park with a partner for the sights and sounds of nature.
16. Go fishing!
Find a safe pontoon in your local city for safe fishing. Outdoor sports are good for the body and mind.
17. Create a Bird Sanctuary
Engage clients to help create a bird sanctuary in your backyard.
Related: How to create a backyard bird habitat
18. Visit some children
Ring your local nursery school and enquire whether you can take a client for a visit. The laughter and voices of children can lift spirits.
19. Decorate Cookies
Engage and assist your client to decorate cookies; place icing on one cookie and top with another cookie.
20. Cook Something
Cook something together; the client can break eggs into a bowl, measure sugar and flour, stir. Cooking together provides the opportunity for wonderful conversations & sensory stimulation.
Related: Cooking with the Elderly: Recipes to try
For clients that still have some vision, buy good magnifying glasses. Otherwise borrow 'Talking Books' or seek volunteers to read aloud twice a week for 30 minutes.
What activities have you found to work well for visually impaired clients?
also in a lot of pain with her back and shoulders
Mobility is poor and can only go out in a wheelchair but is in to much pain most of the time.
Struggling to help with her pain relief and dinners
Wont have a carer
Any ideas ?
What did your mother like to do before? Is there any way you can adapt these things?
What does her doctor suggest for the pain?
I find that people who are busy doing some thing forget about their pain
Can she ride in a car?
I am sure your community has a senior center with many activities. You can go with her and help her.
I find music to be very good
How is her hearing?
If I can be of some more help, let me know