The difficulties of dementia and sight loss
The differences between dementia and sight loss
Sight loss can happen at any stage of life and when people are living with various conditions, although it often becomes more pronounced as we age. However, according to the Alzheimer’s Society, “people with dementia can also have visual difficulties because the dementia affects the parts of their brain that handle visual information coming from the eyes.” This can mean they end up having sight problems but have healthy eyes. Other causes of sight loss in people living with dementia include cataracts, macular degeneration and the effects of a stroke.
Having some additional support at home means that people living with dementia and sight loss can remain as independent as possible in the place they love the most. Helping Hands have been delivering exceptional care at home across England and Wales since 1989, and the Care Quality Commission and Care Inspectorate Wales fully regulate all of our visiting and live-in care. Therefore it’s no surprise that we’re considered the UK’s most trusted home care provider.
How common is sight loss
According to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), “More than two million people are living with sight loss in the UK.” Age is “a significant risk factor related to eye health and sight loss. Nearly 80 per cent are 65 years or older.” This has a significant impact on their daily lives. In addition, many people are currently living with an eye condition that puts them at risk of developing sight loss in the future. These include:
People who are registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired
People whose vision is better than the levels that qualify for registration
People who are awaiting or undergoing treatment or surgery that may improve their sight
People whose sight loss could be improved by wearing correctly prescribed glasses or contact lenses
Problems caused with the diagnosis of sight loss in dementia patients
Existing sight loss can make diagnosing dementia more difficult, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. This is because they “may have difficulties with some of the questions they are asked in the assessment, or their sight loss may mask the difficulties they are having.”
It is possible for a person with dementia to have a sight test, although adjustments may need to be made so that the test is suitable for them. This includes allowing more time for the test to be undertaken, so it’s important to notify the optician of the special circumstances. The person will also need to be accompanied to the test. Many opticians will now come to a person’s home to carry out a sight test, which may be less stressful for the person living with dementia. It’s even more important to check the sight of a person living with dementia regularly, so that sight problems aren’t just presumed to be dementia-related.
Coping with sight loss and dementia
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, “People living with both dementia and sight loss are likely to experience more disorientation, greater problems with mobility and an increased risk of falls.”
There is also the risk of increased social isolation due to difficulties communicating, and problems understanding, as well as learning new tasks. Further difficulties can be caused because visual cues and prompts are often used for people who are living with dementia, however that isn’t an option if someone is also living with sight loss.
This doesn’t mean there aren’t ways that people living with dementia and sight loss can be supported though, and these include:
Good eye care
Having regular eye tests and making sure glasses are clean, correct and current
Environmental changes
Improving lighting, using contrasting colours and keeping areas clutter-free and unchanged
Improving communication
Getting the person’s attention before speaking and letting them know what is happening around them
Technology and equipment
Using technology at home, such as voice-activated assistants or automatic lights
Seeking additional support
Professionals such as visual rehabilitation workers, occupational therapists and carers
Focusing on what the person can do
Developing strategies based on what the person is familiar with and what they can achieve
How Helping Hands can help with dementia care
Because we’ve supported so many people living with dementia and continue to do so every day, we really are the UK’s most trusted dementia home care provider. Our reputation across England and Wales means that we are well-known for delivering the highest quality care for people living with dementia, sight loss, or other circumstances. We carefully select carers who demonstrate compassion and kindness towards others to work for us, as we only want people representing us in your home who deserve to be there. We’re proud of all our carers, as they go above and beyond every single day to make sure our customers live as well as possible. We want to support you in living life to the fullest, as what matters to you and your loved ones matters to us. We focus only on people because all of our care is person-centred, and what’s more, we’ll devise a bespoke package of care for you that takes all of your needs into account.