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.
Find out what sort of books they like and read to them.
Borrow 'Talking Books' from your local library.
Amuse each other with jokes.
Related: Jokes to Share
Play tactile Dominos or Tic-Tac-Toe.
Take them to a coffee shop once a week for exercise and sensory stimulation.
Encourage them to work with air dry clay; use moulds or create a special memento.
Related: Air Dry Clay Activities
Invite your client to join a group of other vision impaired people for support and socialization.
Seek out a volunteer for regular visits and companionship.
Find out what sort of pets they like and invite someone with docile pets to visit.
Related: Pet Therapy in Nursing Homes
Aqua aerobics or yoga with clear verbal instructions is popular for fitness and pleasure.
Related: Gentle Chair Exercises
Local radio is a source of exciting and interesting programs. Search for:
Related: Free music playlists for the elderly
Buy a couple of pots, potting mixture and some herb seeds; parsley, basil, thyme. Caring for plants is very therapeutic.
Supervise them as they prepare themselves a fruit or vegetable salad.
Related: How to Start a Garden Club for Seniors
Share quizzes, word games and riddles from Golden Carers.
Related: Quizzes to Share
A walk in the park with a partner for the sights and sounds of nature.
Find a safe pontoon in your local city for safe fishing. Outdoor sports are good for the body and mind.
Engage clients to help create a bird sanctuary in your backyard.
Related: How to create a backyard bird habitat
Ring your local nursery school and enquire whether you can take a client for a visit. The laughter and voices of children can lift the spirits.
Engage and assist your client to decorate cookies; place icing on one cookie and top with another cookie.
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?