The Self-help Resource Center for Vision Loss
Information for Family, Friends, and Caregivers
Welcome to VisionAWARE, a "Self-Help for Vision Loss" web site that provides free, practical, hands-on information to enhance quality of life and independence for adults with vision loss, their families and friends, caregivers, and related professionals.
You've found yourself in a situation where you're not quite sure what to do. One of your family members—your son or daughter, husband or wife, or elderly mother or father—is experiencing loss of vision.
Challenges of Everyday Living
You're seeing them struggle with day-to-day things, such as driving, cooking, caring for themselves and others, socializing, or shopping. You love and respect them, but in your opinion, they're unable to care for themselves. You're worried about their safety; you're worried about how they're going to manage on their own. You don't know how to express your concerns or what to do for the best.
For the young adult with a vision loss, the concern is whether they will be able to live independently, secure employment, be self-reliant, pursue their dreams and ambitions, and financially support themselves and a family. For the middle-aged person the concern may be how to maintain their employment, continue their personal interests and desired lifestyle, and remain independent and active participants in family, social and community life.
For the older person, the loss of vision may be complicated by other conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart condition, reduced self-confidence, impaired mobility, or the loss of a spouse, home, or life-time friends. Yes, they've visited the doctors and been told "...it's no longer safe for you to cook or drive any more," "why don't you think about moving in with the family, or have someone live with you...," or "...maybe it's time to consider a nursing home..." And, if they're honest with themselves, they too recognize they're having problems getting around, and caring for themselves.
Feelings and Coping with Vision Loss
Your loved ones may have many mixed, confused and conflicting feelings, including a reduced sense of control over their lives; a fear of decreased independence; a loss of privacy, and a concern that others may view them differently. They may feel overwhelmed, afraid of the future, and unsure as to how they can 'fix' their own situation. Others may feel a strong desire to do whatever needs to be done to regain control of their lives, and to continue living independently. Some, regardless of what they are feeling, may be reluctant to share their thoughts with others.
Learn MORE about helping others deal with vision loss...
As someone who cares, what can I do?Talk with your loved one—find out what troubles them most—and focus specifically on those issues. See Helping Family and Friends to understand the scope of the emotional impact on the whole family. You can begin by experimenting together with one or two the daily activities (listed under Living with Vision Loss in the left-hand column). For example,
Learn MORE... as someone who cares! Participate in our
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Caregiving: A Daughter's Dilemma
"My Story..." Interviews with People Who are Living with Vision Loss
Read other "My Stories" An Introduction to Orientation and MobilityDona Sauerburger, M.A., COMS®, an experienced Orientation and Mobility Specialist, talks about... |
When my parents were in their 80s, my brother and I noticed how time was finally catching up with them, and this vital, energetic pair were indeed less able to do things on their own. Sure, my father still climbed up on the roof to fix a leak and he still drove from Indiana to Florida for the winter. But, was it really safe? 
Don't let vision loss keep you in the dark. Become AWARE.
If you find the help you need on VisionAWARE, please let us know. If you need more information, or do not find what you need, please contact us.
© Copyright 2009 AWARE - Associates for World Action in Rehabilitation & Education