Is someone you love experiencing vision loss? The fear of losing independence with vision loss can be extremely stressful for your loved one. At A-Abiding Care, our quality caregivers provide the opportunity for our clients to age comfortably at home. We also have a few low cost home modification suggestions that allow your loved one to maintain a safer living environment.

A general rule of thumb, when making home modifications for seniors with impaired vision, is to pay special attention to the basic concepts of lighting, color and contrast:

Lighting

• Try to maintain continuous lighting levels throughout the home. If possible, install supplementary lighting in entryways, hallways, and at the top and bottom of each staircase to eliminate shadows or excessively bright areas.
• Install fluorescent ceiling fixtures for general room lighting, supplemented with incandescent, LED, or halogen lighting in desk lamps, table lamps, and floor fixtures.
• Use a bedside lamp with a “clap-on” feature, or one that can activate by simply touching the base.
• Use lamp shades that are light-colored and translucent; generally, this type of shade allows the maximum transmission of light without glare.

Color

• Solid, bright colors such as red, orange, and yellow are generally the easiest to see because of their ability to reflect light.
• Distinguishing colors within each of the following groups may be more difficult for some individuals who have low vision:
  • Navy blue, brown and black
  • Blue, green and purple
  • Pink, yellow and pale green
• Use bright colored paint to mark pot handles, staircase railings, stove controls, etc.

Contrast

• Place light-colored objects against darker backgrounds. A white sheet of paper is more visible against a brown desktop or dark blotter.
• Place dark objects against lighter backgrounds. A dark chair will stand out better against white or cream‑colored walls.
• Use white plates on a dark tablecloth, or place dark dishes on a white or light-colored cloth.

• Use a reversible black and white cutting board to provide contrast. For example, onions, potatoes and yellow squash will show up more clearly on the black side, while the white side will provide greater contrast with tomatoes and green vegetables.

If someone you love could use in-home assistance in order to maintain independence and a safe living environment, A-Abiding Care’s quality caregivers are here to help. Our experienced team will provide a free in-home assessment prior to starting care, as a base for our comprehensive care plan. Contact us today to learn more about how A-Abiding Care can help you or you loved in the greater Chicago area.