Low vision is one of the most common issues of older age, but that is not the only eye health problem that your senior might face as they age. Many eye diseases are far more common among older adults than they are in younger people, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease.
Going to the eye doctor regularly can help to detect the early signs of these issues and keep their prescriptions up-to-date for the most effective vision correction. Unfortunately, many seniors have neglected going to the eye doctor for many years and may no longer be familiar with what this type of condition entails. Preparing your senior can help them to get through their appointment as smoothly as possible and also get the most benefits.
Use these tips to help you prepare your senior for an eye exam:
• Talk to them about the importance.
If your parent has been neglecting going to the eye doctor, they have a reason. Talking to them about the importance of going to the eye doctor can help you to make your parent understand why they need to go through this process and the benefits that it can give them.
• Write down their complaints or questions.
It is easy to get intimidated when facing a doctor, especially for an older adult. This can cause them to forget what they wanted to ask or issues that they have been having. Writing these down before going can ensure that they are able to have the conversations that they need to have with the doctor
• Talk about the process.
Talk through the appointment with your loved-one so that they can feel more confident knowing what they should expect. This can include looking up pictures of the equipment that the doctor might use and what they will be expected to do. This is especially important if your parent has not been to the eye doctor recently, or if they are going for a particular reason that they have not have tested or reviewed before.
• Make them feel more comfortable.
It may not be something that you immediately think of, but it is important to take steps to make your parent feel more comfortable and confident before going to the eye doctor that might not seem as though they have anything to do with the appointment. Brushing their teeth just before leaving, making sure that their hair is clean and styled, choosing fresh clothing and ensuring that they are bathed and smell good can all make them feel better about having a doctor close to them throughout the appointment.
Can a senior home care service provider help?
Starting senior care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you make for them throughout the course of your caregiver journey with them. A senior home care services provider can be there for your elderly family member on a customized schedule that is right for their needs. This means that they can receive the right care, support, and assistance while also keeping you at the forefront of their care.
The highly personalized services of a senior home care services provider are specifically designed to address your elderly parent’s individual needs, challenges, and limitations in such a way that they are able to stay healthy, safe, comfortable, and happy, and pursue a lifestyle that is as active, independent, and fulfilling as possible as they age in place. This can include anything from helping your parent to make good lifestyle choices to providing safe and reliable transportation and physical support and assistance to offering reminders to help them remain compliant with their medications and treatments.
If you or a family member are in need of home health care in Boca Raton, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.
Sources:
https://nei.nih.gov/eyedata
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-macular-degeneration/home/ovc-20164874
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wet-macular-degeneration/home/ovc-20164274
https://nei.nih.gov/eyedata/amd
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