Did you know that more than 50% of seniors will develop a cataract at some point? The chances of your senior parent developing cataracts increase substantially with age, but even seniors that are in their late 60s can have cataracts.
If your senior parent is living on their own, they may be afraid that they will lose their independence if they develop cataracts. But cataracts don’t have to mean that your senior parent can’t live on their own. With home care assistance most seniors can live quite safely and happily in their own homes.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts are cloudy films of broken down proteins that form over the lens of the eye. They can make it hard for seniors to see, which can impact their ability to be safe on their own. Seniors who smoked, have diabetes, or take certain medications have a higher risk of developing cataracts.
How Home Care Assistance Can Help
If your senior parent struggles with cataracts, or any type of low vision, home care assistance is a fantastic way to make sure they are safe when they’re at home. With the help of a home care assistance provider, your senior parent may be able to continue living in the house that’s familiar and comfortable for many years. Home care providers can help your senior parent by doing things like:
Helping organize and identify medications
Poor vision makes it easy to mix up medications. Pills may look similar, and labels can be hard to read.
A home care provider can help organize medications using pill boxes, clear labels, or a daily schedule. They can also remind your parent which medication to take and when. This lowers the risk of missed doses, double doses, or taking the wrong medication, which can be dangerous.
Checking food for safety and freshness
When vision is limited, it can be hard to tell if food has gone bad. Your parent may not notice mold, spoiled leftovers, or expired items. Or, if they try to cook meals, they may mix up ingredients like using sugar instead of salt because they can’t read the package.
A home care assistance provider can regularly check the refrigerator and pantry, throw out expired food, and help prepare safe meals. This reduces the risk of food poisoning and stomach illness. Providers can also help label leftovers with large, easy-to-read dates.
Improving lighting and reducing visual hazards
Good lighting is very important for seniors with cataracts. A home care provider can make sure rooms are well lit, especially hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens.
They can turn on lights before your parent moves around and help add brighter bulbs if needed. Providers can also remove clutter, loose rugs, and cords that are hard to see. These steps lower the risk of trips and falls.
Keeping the home clean and easy to navigate
Clutter and mess can be confusing when vision is blurry. A home care provider can help keep walkways clear and furniture in consistent places.
Light housekeeping, such as wiping counters and organizing commonly used items, helps your parent find what they need more easily. When the home stays predictable and tidy, your parent can move around with more confidence.
Offering guidance and reassurance during daily activities
Seniors with cataracts may feel anxious or frustrated when they cannot see clearly. A home care provider can offer calm guidance during daily tasks like getting dressed, preparing food, or moving from room to room.
Simple verbal cues, such as pointing out steps or obstacles, can make a big difference. Emotional support also helps your parent feel less stressed, which improves overall comfort.