My heart goes out to you and your mom. My mom is in a similar situation having become progressively blind due to Macular. In addition she is in a wheelchair. She has been mild cognitive impairment which I think makes it more difficult as she is aware of her diminished quality of life. It's impossible for her to participate in the group recreational activities hosted by her care home. Her days are long and lonely. We have hired a private companion who is a senior that reads to her and plays music on her iPad. There is also a volunteer who takes her for walks in the adjacent park. The CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) has Resources such as book tapes and easy to use players. Family members come to visit whenever they can and make phone calls for her. It's a very difficult time with no easy solutions. My best to you and your mom.
My godmother went blind due to macular degeneration. It’s really hard for them to adjust. Their world has literally gone black.
Do you think your mom would enjoy audio books or soothing music? My area has a radio station that caters to the blind. They have volunteers who read wonderful books, articles from magazines, local newspapers, etc.
Call local resources in the area that help the blind. They will have suggestions for you.
All good suggestions - one activity our visually limited seniors enjoyed was making beaded necklaces and bracelets. Multi-colored wooden beads and fishing line were the only materials. Color order didn’t matter - and each one was truly unique! Audible books and tapes (second hand shop may have options) music all the time and definitely people she lovesaround for support - it must be so scary for her! .keeping things in their proper place is also essential to avoid frustration and breakage and tripping. senior centers and other service organizations may help - Consider personal care / companion - human or a trained service animal- if she is otherwise well and not living with dementia. Other senses may be heightened - smells and sounds may become more noticeable. here are several service organizations that may help. https://www.nvisioncenters.com/education/resources-for-visually-impaired/#:~:text=American%20Foundation%20for%20the%20Blind,-The%20primary%20goal
My mom resisted getting an Alexa, but now would really miss not having it. She can ask time, temperature, basic information from the Internet. Others might enjoy podcasts, music, using for Audible books or Amazon music with those services added. Also games - Mom isn't interested in those so not sure what is available, but I know there are some.
lustrong: My mother, who was a legally blind woman (partial definition of ' legally blind' per my mother's retinologist: she had peripheral vision and differs from the designation 'completely blind') and was a candidate for a number of aids and devices through the COB (Commissioner of the Blind). This allowed my mother to LIVE ALONE in her own home many states away from me until her blood pressure plummeted and was an entirely separate issue from her low vision. The legally blind designation is often called low vision. Some of the aids were as follows: Magnifier machine. Tea cup/hot water sensor to enable user to pour hot water into a cup without spillage. Large print materials.
Do you think your mom would enjoy audio books or soothing music? My area has a radio station that caters to the blind. They have volunteers who read wonderful books, articles from magazines, local newspapers, etc.
Call local resources in the area that help the blind. They will have suggestions for you.
Best wishes to you and your mother.
Our local Blind Instititue had many resources to help.
Someone will be assigned to her and be able to help with training for daily personal activities and hobbies.
If her hearing is decent can you ask that she be escorted to the main lobby of the AL. She may need help making some friends and socializing.
Can you hire a part time caregiver to help with her social activities?
The best of luck to you and mom.
wooden beads and fishing line were the only materials. Color order didn’t matter - and each one was truly unique!
Audible books and tapes (second hand shop may have options) music all the time and definitely people she lovesaround for support - it must be so scary for her!
.keeping things in their proper place is also essential to avoid frustration and breakage and tripping.
senior centers and other service organizations may help -
Consider personal care / companion - human or a trained service animal- if she is otherwise well and not living with dementia.
Other senses may be heightened - smells and sounds may become more noticeable.
here are several service organizations that may help.
https://www.nvisioncenters.com/education/resources-for-visually-impaired/#:~:text=American%20Foundation%20for%20the%20Blind,-The%20primary%20goal
Magnifier machine.
Tea cup/hot water sensor to enable user to pour hot water into a cup without spillage.
Large print materials.
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