Technology Resources for the Visually Impaired

Vision loss can create disruptions in even the most routine tasks in anyone’s life. You may have heard an older loved one complain that they have trouble reading, watching TV, or even simply seeing to move freely around the home. Losing the ability to see can cause an older adult to feel as though they are also losing much of their freedom to leave home and to do the activities they love. Visit oplove119.net, they are the largest community site in Korea that shares information about your surroundings.

Severe visual impairment affects around seven million older Americans over the age of 65 and over 15 million Americans in general experience macular degeneration.

While some folks may not be able to have sight improved or restored, there are some ways that technology can help make life a little bit easier for those who have vision loss.

Computer Screen Magnifiers

Computers provide a window to the world with a lot of valuable resources for anyone who can use them. Unfortunately for those who experience vision impairment, it can often be difficult to read what is on the screen in emails, online bank or credit card statements, or other helpful websites. Computer magnifiers are relatively inexpensive and can create a much better environment for those who have trouble seeing. By adding this simple technology to your loved one’s screen, you can help give them back the freedom to browse the web and stay in contact with friends and family.

Talking Medical Devices

If your loved one lives at home and needs regular medical monitoring, you may consider investing in medical devices that read stats out loud in addition to displaying them. Look for talking thermometers and blood pressure machines that can help your loved one track his or her health without the need to read a tiny screen. This may give your loved one some feeling of control as they have the ability to take their own blood pressure and temperature without assistance despite their visual impairment.

Audio Books

One of the simple pleasures in life for a lot of people is reading a good book. Unfortunately, when there is vision loss, reading becomes harder and harder as degeneration increases. The good news is that many companies offer audiobooks in different formats to fit your lifestyle. Kindle, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble are some of the big sellers that provide all types of audiobooks. Giving a loved one their ability to find entertainment in the books they love by hearing them read aloud is like giving back one of life’s most enjoyable simple pleasures.

Phone Apps

Another fantastic piece of technology that can provide many resources for your loved one with visual impairment is a smartphone. With many apps on the market that can “speak” to you, there are ways that your loved one can get the information he or she needs right in the palm of their hand. There are apps such as “Chime” that will make a sound at different time intervals, from every hour to every quarter hour if needed. Apps like “Medicine Reminder” sounds an alarm when it’s time to take medicine throughout the day. “List Recorder” lets users record and organize to-do lists using audio. All of these apps are free or just a couple dollars, but they can help your loved one feel like they have a wider range of options to help them get through the day.

Be My Eyes

This app is a separate category because it offers a wonderful “live” service for someone with visual impairment. This technology connects blind and low vision people with sighted volunteers who can help them with everyday tasks around the home. Through a video chat, sighted volunteers guide those with visual difficulties by instructing them where to put the camera, what to touch, and how they can accomplish activities that are more challenging without sight.

Losing the ability to see is a devastating event in one’s life. Luckily, there are more and more resources available to help those with visual impairments continue to live an independent lifestyle. If your loved one needs additional assistance around the home, consider an in-home caregiver. At 24/7 Nursing Care, we offer in-home caregiving and nursing services on a short-term or long-term basis, depending on your needs. We’re here to help your loved one who may need assistance feel more comfortable in their own home!

References:

Be My Eyes – Bringing sight to blind and people with low vision. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bemyeyes.com/

Being Alone: Vision Loss – How High Tech and Low Tech Options Help Independence. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://theseniorsanswer.com/being-alone-vision-loss-how-high-tech-and-low-tech-options-help-independence/