Adapting to Living With Glaucoma Confidently 

January marks Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to spotlight this chronic condition, which remains one of the leading causes of blindness among older adults. 

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve over time, often without noticeable symptoms, making early diagnosis critical. While there’s no cure, the good news is that it’s possible to slow its progression and preserve your independence with timely treatment and thoughtful adjustments.

Living with glaucoma doesn’t mean giving up the activities or comforts you enjoy. By making simple, practical changes to your daily routines and surroundings, you can confidently adapt and continue leading a safe, vibrant, and fulfilling life. Here are useful strategies to help you or a loved one thrive despite vision loss.

Enhancing Safety and Comfort at Home with Glaucoma

Living with glaucoma can present daily challenges, but with a few thoughtful adjustments, the home can remain a safe, comfortable, and empowering space. At Always Best Care, our caregivers work alongside individuals and families to make homes safer and more accessible while offering the personalized support needed to thrive.

Boost Visibility for Everyday Living

A well-lit, organized home is essential for navigating safely with limited vision. Our caregivers can assist in identifying areas that need improvement and implementing these practical solutions:

• Brighten the Space: We help set up brighter lighting and task lights in areas like reading nooks, kitchens, and hallways to reduce shadows and make objects easier to see. Motion-sensor lights are a game-changer, providing instant illumination in stairways and entryways.
• Add High-Contrast Details: Contrasting colors can make a big difference. By adding bold-colored tape or paint to steps, doorframes, and furniture edges, our caregivers help make these features stand out and minimize missteps.
• Organize and Label Clearly: Bold, high-contrast text can be used to label medication bottles, remote controls, and kitchen items. Our team can ensure that items are not only labeled but also consistently placed in designated spots for easy access.

Utilize Visual Aids and Tools for Independence

Incorporating simple tools and adaptive technology can help reduce frustration and maintain independence. Our caregivers are here to assist with selecting, setting up, and using these aids effectively:

• Large-Print Materials: Books, calendars, and documents with large, clear fonts make reading easier and more enjoyable. Whether it’s helping you find accessible resources or reading aloud, caregivers can help keep you engaged with your favorite materials.
• Magnifying Devices: From handheld magnifiers to electronic tools, these aids are invaluable for detailed work like reading mail, organizing bills, or enjoying hobbies. Caregivers ensure these devices are always within reach and ready to use.
• Tactile Markings for Easier Navigation: Adding textured or raised markers to appliances, light switches, and frequently used items helps individuals identify them by touch. Our caregivers can install these markings and guide seniors in using them confidently.

Declutter and Organize Spaces for Safety

Creating a well-organized and clutter-free environment is key to minimizing fall risks and promoting confidence at home. 

• Clear Walkways for Easy Navigation: Loose rugs, tangled cords, and unnecessary furniture can pose significant hazards. Our caregivers can assist in rearranging rooms to create open pathways, ensuring high-traffic areas—like hallways, kitchens, and living spaces—are free from obstacles.
• Organize Essentials for Accessibility: Keeping frequently used items in consistent, easy-to-reach locations can reduce frustration and accidents. Caregivers help seniors establish logical systems for storing medications, glasses, keys, and other essentials, ensuring everything has its place.
• Install Safety Features for Added Support: Small additions can make a big difference. Our team can help identify areas where safety features—like grab bars in bathrooms, non-slip mats in kitchens, and textured stair treads—can enhance stability and reduce risks of slips and falls.

Engage in Adaptive Activities for a Fulfilling Life

Living with glaucoma doesn’t mean giving up the hobbies, interests, and connections that bring joy and purpose. Always Best Care caregivers are here to provide support and encouragement, helping individuals rediscover activities they love in new and accessible ways.

• Listening to Audiobooks: For those who love reading, audiobooks provide a wonderful alternative. Caregivers can help set up devices, select titles, or sit and listen along, turning reading into a shared and stimulating experience.
• Music and Movement for Well-Being: Activities like singing, playing instruments, swimming, or practicing yoga promote physical and mental wellness without relying heavily on vision. Our caregivers can assist seniors with safe participation, whether it’s helping set up a yoga mat or providing companionship during a music session.
• Exploring Arts and Crafts: Creative hobbies like pottery, knitting, or tactile art projects are great for self-expression and dexterity. Caregivers can gather supplies, assist with setup, and encourage seniors to enjoy these projects at their own pace.
• Social Card Games Made Accessible: Socializing remains vital for well-being. Using large-print or Braille playing cards, seniors can continue enjoying friendly card games with family, friends, or caregivers, keeping those social connections alive.

At Always Best Care, we believe that vision loss shouldn’t limit a fulfilling lifestyle. With compassionate support and adaptive approaches, our caregivers empower seniors to stay active, creative, and connected—enhancing their quality of life every day.

Take the First Step Toward a Safer, More Confident Life With Always Best Care!

Facing life with glaucoma does require adjustments; however, with the right support and approaches, seniors can continue to thrive. If your loved one is living with glaucoma and could benefit from personalized care and assistance, Always Best Care is here to help.

Contact Always Best Care of Northwest Chicago at (312) 465-6833 to learn more and schedule your free consultation. Let us work together to create a tailored care plan that ensures safety, comfort, and an active, enriching lifestyle for your loved one.