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Seniors with Glaucoma Face Numerous Challenges

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, and as I look ahead at the New Year, I am moved by the studies that indicate a higher percentage of seniors with glaucoma in Florida*, who are visually impaired and cannot see well enough to perform even basic activities of daily living. Of course, we have a larger population of migrant seniors in Florida, thanks to our beautiful climate, but the stats are disconcerting, nonetheless.

There are many types of Glaucoma, but the end result of this horrible affliction is loss of vision. Some types of this disease render a gradual loss of vision, while another type can cause legal blindness very quickly. It doesn’t matter which type you have, the prognosis is the same: vision loss.

There are medications that can be applied or taken daily to slow the progression of vision impairment due to glaucoma, prescription eye drops being the most common. However, it can be difficult for seniors to apply their own eye drops, and when memory issues also present, the sufferer often forgets to use the drops or take oral prescriptions that are essential to slow the progression of vision loss. There is no cure for glaucoma.

I highly recommend a compassionate caregiver assist seniors with glaucoma by carefully applying prescribed eye drops; and by gently reminding seniors to take their medications. Caregivers are naturally willing to assist with transportation needs, including trips to the optometrist’s office for annual eye exams (which are recommended for everyone over the age of 50); take care of grocery shopping; prepare meals; and perform light housework, which are all challenges for the visually impaired.

I am more than happy to meet with you or your elderly loved one to perfectly match a caregiver to help with these services and so many others, to improve their quality of life and assist with individual needs.

Home Helpers® proudly serves seniors with glaucoma in Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, New Port Richey, Trinity, Port Richey, Hudson and surrounding areas. If you are unable to help your elderly relatives or friends, call us today to learn more about everything that is made possible thanks to our amazing caregivers, and all of the available services offered through Home Helpers®. We are Making Life Easier℠. (727) 240-3059

*Source: US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health

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