When Low Vision Endangers Health

By Care For You •

For many of us, and especially our seniors, communication with the outside world is an essential criterion of living independently and in our own homes. In the last ten or so years, cellular phones have become a key tool in the array of devices we use to communicate with one another. And with each new generation, cell phones have become more and more complex. Yet visual impairment due to such age-related conditions as glaucoma or macular degeneration can make using these devices extremely difficult.

Side effects of visual impairment can include hoarding or extreme clutter. When seniors can’t see what they are throwing out, they may be less inclined to do so. This “messiness” can, in turn, increase the risk of falling.

Fortunately, a few companies are realizing that 1) people with limited or impaired vision would like and can still benefit from cellular technology and, 2) for some, a phone is all they want. One such company is Jitterbug, www.jitterbug.com/Phones. Their offers include live customer service 24 hours per day. They greet by name and can even update the phone’s phone book, thus cutting down on confusion and stress. Other sources for solutions available in the greater Washington, D.C. area include: Vision Aware (http://www.visionaware.org/md ) and the Low Vision Center (http://www.lowvisioninfo.org ).

If your loved one wants the convenience of using a cell phone but has a problem seeing to dial a number, has trouble hearing incoming voices or gets confused with all of the menu options choices like this could make life easier for all.