Many seniors don’t realize just how important regular eye exams are for preventing complications and preserving their sight.
For diabetic seniors, annual dilated eye exams are a must. Many of the common conditions that cause blindness show no symptoms until irreversible damage is done. However, many of these conditions can be successfully treated when found early. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss among adults in the United States. Diabetics are also at an increased risk for other major causes of permanent vision loss, including cataracts and glaucoma.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes, affecting one-third of diabetics over the age of 40. It occurs as a result of damage to the small blood vessels in the back of the eyes. The longer a person has diabetes, the greater the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, Diabetic retinopathy presents no noticeable symptoms until the later stages, when the damage is severe and irreversible. The good news is that with routine screening, diabetic retinopathy can be detected and successfully treated.
The Challenges of Routine Eye Exams
More than 50% of diabetics don’t receive routine eye exams, which results in vision loss and blindness in far too many cases. The real tragedy is that this vision loss is preventable with timely treatment. However, it can be challenging for seniors to get to the eye doctor, especially because the diabetic eye exam requires that their eyes be dilated. Many seniors are uncomfortable or unable to drive after an eye exam, and many don’t drive at all. Fortunately, there is an easy solution.
Senior Care offers Transportation Services and Appointment Support
Transportation services through a senior care agency go far beyond calling a taxi or boarding a bus. Senior care aides can go so far as to assist the senior to get ready before the appointment. Senior care aides can load walkers or lightweight wheelchairs into the vehicle. They can stay with the senior throughout the duration of the appointment, offering companionship, reassurance, or support with personal needs, such as using the bathroom. After the appointment, the senior care aide can ensure they are safely back home, and assist with any needs they may have afterward. Since their services are not limited to transportation and can be customized from an extensive menu, they can even take care of a load of laundry or put on a pot of soup after the appointment.
Senior Care Helps Visually Impaired Live Well
Seniors who have lost vision to diabetes complications or other causes often benefit from some additional help around the house. Senior care offers personalized assistance with shopping, mobility, personal care, meal preparation, pet care, laundry, and housework. Besides making medical appointments more manageable, senior care can also enable older adults to continue engaging in activities they find meaningful and rewarding. They can help a senior attend classes in the community, care for a pet, cook a favorite recipe, or simply spend quality time with a friendly companion. Speak with the senior care agency to arrange for transportation support or other services that will best meet your senior’s needs.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elderly Care in Piedmont, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care.
Call today: (415) 795-2203
Sources
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