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

IntroductionFamily, Friend and Carer - A Guide provides information and advice for family members,friends and carers of a person who is blind * or has low vision.Providing care to a person who is blind or has low vision aims to maintain quality of lifeand independence. When independent living is no longer possible, it is the role of thecarer ** to undertake activities that can no longer be performed by the person who has lowvision.For the carer, providing care requires time and attention so it is important to have theright tools to approach the role, to feel confident, as well as maintaining personal healthand well being.One way of viewing the carer role is as part of a larger support team. When viewed inthis way all aspects of the caring process become more manageable for everyone involved.The team players who may make up this support team are centred around the personwho has low vision and can include family, friends, eye care professionals, low vision serviceproviders, support workers, counsellors, carer associations and other service providers.Together team members can provide support and assistance for each other and theperson in need of care, ensuring the best outcomes are achieved.This guide is for carers who provide support for a family member, friend or client with lowvision. By being informed, adopting appropriate strategies and knowing when and whereto access help and support, a carer can perform the role to benefit the person who haslow vision.This guide is the second in the series of publications on low visionproduced by the Macular Degeneration Foundation. The first publication inthis series, Low Vision - A Guide, offers a practical approach for people of allages who are blind or have low vision. It is helpful to read Family, Friend andCarer - A Guide in conjunction with Low Vision - A Guide.Family, Friend and Carer - A Guide 1