Adapting to Glaucoma: Solutions for a Balanced Life of Life

Living with glaucoma can feel like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. Life can still be vibrant and fulfilling with some smart adjustments and a positive approach. 

At Always Best Care of Friendswood, we’re here to support you and your family as you adapt to the changes that come with glaucoma and aging.

Understanding Glaucoma and Its Impact

Glaucoma affects vision by increasing pressure on the optic nerve, making tasks like reading or moving around more difficult. 

While there isn’t a cure, early detection and consistent treatment can slow its progression and help maintain your quality of life.

9 Ways to Promote Bathroom Safety

Bathrooms can pose significant safety challenges for seniors with glaucoma, but thoughtful updates can make them more secure and user-friendly. These changes reduce risks and help seniors feel more confident and independent in their daily routines:

1. Install Grab Bars for Stability
   Grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bathtub provide sturdy support for sitting, standing, or navigating slippery areas. They are essential for preventing falls, particularly for seniors with limited mobility or balance issues. Choose bars with a textured surface to ensure a secure grip, even when wet.
2. Use Non-Slip Mats and Rugs
   Wet floors are a common cause of bathroom slips and falls. Placing non-slip mats or adhesive strips in high-risk areas, such as the shower, bathtub, and sink, adds traction and greatly reduces the chance of accidents. Ensure rugs or mats are anchored securely to avoid tripping hazards.
3. Upgrade to Motion-Sensor Lighting
   Poor visibility can make even simple tasks challenging. Motion-sensor lighting eliminates the need to find a switch in the dark, automatically illuminating the bathroom when someone enters. Bright, even lighting in the shower, vanity area, and overall space ensures everything is visible.
4. Organize Toiletries for Accessibility
   Keeping toiletries within easy reach can prevent unnecessary bending, stretching, or fumbling. Use shelves or caddies to store frequently used items, such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. Labeling or color-coding containers can help those with vision changes easily identify products.
5. Install a Handheld Showerhead and Shower Chair
   A handheld showerhead allows for greater control during bathing, making it easier to rinse without excessive movement. Pairing it with a shower chair provides added stability and comfort, allowing seniors to sit while they bathe. 
6. Consider Anti-Scald Devices for Temperature Control
   Hot water can pose a burn risk, particularly for seniors with delayed reaction times. Installing anti-scald devices on faucets and showerheads helps regulate water temperature, ensuring it stays within a safe range.
7. Add Raised Toilet Seats
   A raised toilet seat with side handles can make sitting and standing easier, especially for those with mobility or joint pain. This simple adjustment reduces strain and adds another layer of safety.
8. Secure Loose Fixtures and Faucets
   Loose faucets or wobbly fixtures can become hazards. All bathroom hardware should be regularly checked and secured to ensure proper function and safety.
9. Declutter the Bathroom Space
   Clear out unnecessary items that may obstruct pathways or create hazards. A tidy and organized bathroom reduces the chances of tripping and makes it easier to locate essentials.

5 Signs of Elderly Decline

Living with glaucoma can sometimes draw attention to other signs of aging that may require extra care and support. Recognizing these signs early is essential in addressing them before they lead to larger challenges. 

Here are some key signs to watch for and what they might mean:

1. Frequent Forgetfulness
   Missing appointments, forgetting important dates, or frequently misplacing items can indicate more than occasional absent-mindedness. These patterns might point to early cognitive decline or memory-related conditions like dementia.
2. Difficulty Managing Daily Tasks
   Struggling to prepare meals, maintain a clean home, or complete personal grooming could indicate decreased motor skills or physical strength. Tasks that once seemed routine may now feel overwhelming, suggesting that additional help is needed to keep up with everyday responsibilities.
3. Loss of Interest in Social Activities or Hobbies
   When someone stops engaging in their favorite hobbies or avoids social events, it can be a sign of isolation, frustration, or even depression. These feelings may stem from vision changes, mobility issues, or emotional challenges, impacting their motivation and connection.
4. Mobility Challenges and Increased Falls
   Struggles with walking, frequent falls, or difficulty navigating stairs indicate mobility issues. These challenges increase the risk of injury and highlight the need for home modifications or assistive devices to enhance safety and accessibility.
5. Withdrawal from Friends and Family
   Avoiding phone calls, family gatherings, or social interactions can suggest emotional struggles, such as feeling overwhelmed, insecure, or embarrassed about physical changes. Social withdrawal often signals a need for emotional support or companionship.

Staying Active and Emotionally Balanced

Staying active and connected is important for overall well-being. 

Low-impact exercises like yoga, tai chi, or walking improve circulation and reduce stress. 

Emotional health matters, too. Joining support groups or seeking counseling can help you cope with any frustrations or challenges that come with glaucoma.

Leveraging In-Home Care Services

Sometimes, extra help can make all the difference. 

In-home caregivers can assist with household tasks, transportation to appointments, and even meal preparation. But it’s not just about physical support—having a caregiver around also provides companionship, ensuring seniors feel connected and cared for.

At Always Best Care of Friendswood, we provide personalized care tailored to your needs, making it easier for you or your loved one to maintain independence while staying safe and comfortable.

Embracing Life With Glaucoma Confidently With Always Best Care of Friendswood!

Glaucoma is just one part of your story—it doesn’t define who you are. 

You can continue living a complete and balanced life by taking proactive steps, making thoughtful adjustments, and seeking support when needed. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us at Always Best Care of Friendswood. We’re here to help you create a plan that works for you and your family so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying each day to the fullest.

Contact Always Best Care of Friendswood at (281) 954-6096 to learn more and schedule your free consultation. Let us work together to create a tailored care plan that ensures your loved one’s safety, comfort, and an active, enriching lifestyle.