Dealing with sight loss in dementia

Sensory loss in dementia is common, and many people notice decline in their eyesight or hearing as they age. People in dementia care may lose sight due to aging, cataracts, other health conditions and even as a result of cognitive decline caused by the disease. It can be devastating to lose their independence even more, however, there are steps you can take to improve their quality of life, despite the effects of dementia and eyesight loss. 

Adjust their environment

Impaired vision could increase their risk of falls and accidents, so it’s important that the person’s home is tailored to their needs. Here are some useful tips: 

• Reduce clutter – keep their home tidy and free of clutter to reduce the risk of falling and tripping over objects. 

• Lighting – ensure there is the appropriate amount of lighting to help the person remain aware of their surroundings.

• Colour contrast – using contrasting colours will help them locate items easier. A toilet that contrasts the rest of the bathroom is simpler to find and use. When serving food, choose plates that contrast the colour of their food and tablecloth so they can easily see their meal and avoid becoming malnourished. You could also paint the edges of the stairs and place brightly coloured mats to help them locate entrances. Avoid colours in the blue-violet range as they will become much harder for the person to distinguish. 

• Simplify daily tasks – try using large button TV remotes and phones, talking clocks, tactile appliance markers, large print calendars and other devices that are adapted to people with vision impairment and will help them retain their independence. 

Keep in mind that making things bigger, bolder and brighter will help the person in dementia care. It’s also important that the person has regular eye examinations and, for any issues to be properly treated or adjustments made. 

Change in your approach

It’s vital that you put yourself in the dementia patient’s shoes and make the necessary adjustments in the way you care for them. They may need support with orientation, so ask them how they’d like to be guided, don’t just assume. Offer to hold on to your elbow and describe their environment, what you’re about to do and keep the conversation flowing. Always approach your loved one by letting them know you’re there and, if necessary, who you are to avoid confusion and anxiety. If they have different glasses for a different purpose, help identify the frames by placing a label on them. Ask if they prefer Braille, audio format or large print and ensure to keep records and inform others that may be caring for the person of their preferences. Other simple adjustments could include specialised tools and simplification of activities like cooking with pre-chopped foods. Wherever possible, ensure they can retain some independence as it will boost their self-esteem and improve quality of life. 

Suitable activities

Becoming sightless in dementia shouldn’t equal becoming isolated and eliminating pleasant activities from daily life. They can still enjoy audiobooks, listening to music, singing and socialising with friends and family. It’s important that you are looking after loved one by finding and adjusting activities they enjoy. For example, they could still experience the joy of gardening, by using adapted tools and having some supervision. Pleasant experiences like hand massage or getting a manicure can really improve their wellbeing and toys with different textures could also provide some sensory stimulation. Take a look at our care expert recommended sensory activities here. We also provide products such as the daylight floor lamp, which may help with reading and upclose activities.