While caring for my mom, she eventually lost her sight due to diabetes. Through it all, she was always so strong and amazed me every day. As a family, we tried to find ways to help her.

I remember her telling me she couldn’t see to get toothpaste on the toothbrush anymore. Her despair over a fear of making a mess broke my heart, but I told her why not just put the toothpaste in your mouth, then brush your teeth as usual. The look on her face was priceless.

Along with my mom, many of my clients also had varying levels of sight. I wanted to share with you a few things I would share with my caregivers when it came to working with these clients:

1) Always ask first, I know you’ve got best intentions at heart, but don’t assume assistance is required.
2) If you need to touch or guide someone, verbalize the action before you do it. “I’m just going to place my arm through yours, and we’ll get you there.”
3) Speak at normal tones. You’d be amazed at how many people start raising or changing their voice at someone who has lost their sight without even knowing they’re doing it.
4) As we age some people who have low vision still have some functional vision that can change throughout the day.
5) When you enter into a room, be intentional about greetings, hellos, and goodbyes.

If you’d like to talk with someone who’s been in similar shoes as you, sign up for a free 15-minute planning call today.