Implications of Vision Loss in the Elder Population

1. Implications of Vision Loss in the Elder Population Laura Vittorioso, M.Ed, CVRT, CLVT Samantha Green, MA, CVRT

2. Demographics • Expected increase of vision loss in elders. • More than 20 million report significant vision loss. • Approximately 40,000 Mainers report significant vision loss.

3. Definitions • Visually Impaired • Legal Blindness • Low Vision • Total Vision Loss

4. Common Eye Conditions • Age-Related Macular Degeneration • Glaucoma • Diabetic Retinopathy • Head Injuries or Strokes

10. Secondary Disabilities • Arthritis • Hearing Impairment • Heart Disease • Diabetes • Dementia

11. Multidisciplinary Approach • Vision Rehabilitation specialists • Ophthalmologists • Low Vision Specialists • Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy • Agencies on Aging

12. Independent Living Services The Iris Network contracts with The Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired to provide vision rehabilitation to older people. 12

13. Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) Evaluates, instructs and guides persons with visual impairments to utilize adaptive skills 13

14. Certified Orientation and Mobility Instructor (COMS) Provides instruction and assists in the goal of being a safe and independent traveler. 14

15. Personal Adjustment Counselor (LCSW) Helps individuals with the emotional adjustment resulting from vision loss. 15

16. Computer Access Specialists Evaluates and instructs adults who are visually impaired in assistive technology. 16

17. Low Vision Services Eye specialists who evaluate and recommend optical devices.

18. Vision Rehabilitation Services Maine DBVI Vocational Rehabilitation Independent Living COMS, CVRT The Iris Network ApartmentsLV ClinicCVRT, LCSW, LSW, COMS Assistive Technology Low Vision 18

19. Referrals How can I get these services? 19

20. Early intervention works best!

22. If you were visually impaired, which hallway would you rather walk down?

23. The hallway on the right has better contrast.

24. Contrast and Color • Light and Dark • Explore bold colors • Use it EVERYWHERE! • Adapting what you have

25. Where would you rather bathe?

26. The bathroom on the right has less glare.

27. Lighting and Glare • Brighter is not always better • Illuminating areas vs. Illuminating tasks • Controlling Glare • Enhancing visibility through color

28. Which stairs would you rather walk down?

29. The stairs on the right have better markings.

30. Hallways, Stairways and Signage • Use efficient Lighting • Always use contrast • Mark stairs • Display jumbo printed signs

31. Now that you have the tools, what changes would you make to this nursing home room?

32. Remember, environmental adaptations can be simple! • Observe your residents • Ask your residents • Remember your tools • Ask for an Environmental Assessment from The Iris Network.

33. Questions and Answers 33

34. Resources • The American Foundation for the Blind www.afb.org • Lighthouse International www.lighthouse.org • National Center for Health Statistics 2006 www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis.htm • National Eye Institute www.nih.gov

35. Copy of this Power Point Will be posted on: www.theiris.org/visionloss.htm