Family, Friend and Carer - A Guide - Macular Degeneration ...

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New Lifestyle and Leisure ActivitiesWhen a person has low vision they may stop doing the activities they once enjoyed ortheir approach to a task may be very different. Helping them to continue doing the thingsthey enjoy and adjusting the way they undertake the activity will help preserve quality oflife.Carers can help a person to continue doing what they enjoy by introducing the person tonew ways of doing activities. To help maintain activities a carer can:Suggest the use of adaptive technology for reading or doing the crosswordUtilise the radioUtilise audio technology that can deliver books and newspapers in audio formSuggest or arrange a walking group to maintain an active lifestyleDevelop strategies for exercise such as going to the gymConduct a search for low vision activity groupsUse computer programs such as Zoomtext or Jaws to continue to use the computerand access the internetHelp teach a person how to use the internet, write letters and stay in touch with othersUndertake computer trainingFind a travel agent who can help plan trips for those with low visionNetwork with social clubs for support18
Using Daily Living Aids, Low Vision Aidsand Adaptive TechnologyUsing daily living aids, low vision aids and adaptive technology can make all the differenceto a person who is blind or vision impaired. The following is a brief description of the useand purpose of these types of aids:Daily living aids can include liquid level indicators, coin sorters and large buttontelephones. These aids can help in and around the home with daily activitiesLow vision aids can include hand-held magnifiers and lamps. These aids can help withreading labels, books, newspapers and lettersAdaptive technology can include Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTV). These are used tomagnify text up to fifty times and for reading text when hand-held magnifiers are nolonger effectiveAudio Technology can include talking books, which converts text to audio and is usefulwhen reading aids are no longer effectiveAs a carer it is important to encourage the use of equipment that will help to maintainindependence.A positive and encouraging environment is important and will facilitate the use of dailyliving aids, low vision aids and adaptive technology. When the person who has low visionbegins to use new equipment the carer may need to keep in mind the following:Be patient, as it takes time to master the use of new equipmentEnsure the equipment is being used properlyExchange equipment if it does not appear to be of help to the personExploring options for independent living helps the family member, friend or client whois blind or has low vision to remain in control of their own rehabilitation process.Family, Friend and Carer - A Guide 19
Page 1 and 2: Family, Friend& CarerA GUIDEFamily,
Page 3 and 4: IntroductionFamily, Friend and Care
Page 5: GlaucomaGlaucoma is the name given
Page 12 and 13: Creating a Care PlanThe following t
Page 14 and 15: Rehabilitation ProfessionalsRehabil
Page 16 and 17: Strategies for Independent LivingA
Page 18 and 19: Stairs and KerbsInform the person w
Page 22 and 23: Caring for the CarerWhen caring for
Page 24 and 25: Services and Information for Carers
Page 26 and 27: Easy Reference GuideOrganisation He
Page 28 and 29: Easy Reference Guide continuedOrgan
Page 30 and 31: National - Service DirectoryAged Ca
Page 32 and 33: Northern Territory - Service Direct
Page 34 and 35: Victoria - Service DirectoryCarers
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Family, Friend and Carer - A Guide - Macular Degeneration ...

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