At Home Tips for Dealing With Low Vision

Low vision can make simple activities difficult. People who live with low vision will likely find themselves relying on loved ones and caregivers and feeling uneasy that their condition may cause them harm, resulting in an injury or accident.

Oftentimes when people are diagnosed with low vision, their physician, optometrist or ophthalmologist refers them for occupational therapy. Occupational therapists can help patients make simple adjustments to their home to increase their independence and confidence.

When we do this for our patients, we often hear “that seems like an easy fix” or “why didn’t I think of that?” They are truly surprised at the things they can do to make their home a better living space for them.

We thought we’d share some of these common home adjustments to make homes safer and more functional.

Home Modifying Tips

Moving around the home safely and easily

Declutter and remove loose cords and throw rugs
Arrange furniture and appliances in a pattern or path that is comfortable
Use grab bars and other equipment that contrasts with wall colors
Add good lighting in walkways, hallways and stairwells
Use labeled tray dividers to hold small items (e.g. cosmetics and tools)
Arrange closets by clothing color and use different hampers to sort laundry
Keep commonly used items in the same location in each room

Managing medications

Ask the doctor to describe and explain new medications
Request large-print labels from the pharmacy
Create a distinctive feel to each pill bottle (e.g. attach Velcro, felt, rubber bands, a button)
Use large-print pill boxes or a talking medication reminder

Improving visibility

Apply contrasting colors (e.g. a dark rubber bathmat on a light floor, light cutting board for dark counters, colored tape on the edge of steps, light sheets with a dark comforter and pillows)
Utilize night lights, a flashlight or hall or room lights when getting up in the middle of the night
Move slowly from a dark to light room and vice versa so the eyes can adjust
Use an e-reader that allows the font size, brightness and contrast to be adjusted
Add overhead lighting to reduce shadows and improve lighting consistency
Add shades to all light sources to reduce glare
Sit with the back towards windows and lamps
Use gooseneck lamps for tabletop activities

Preparing meals and snacks

Arrange the refrigerator and cabinets so items are easily accessible (e.g. organized by food type or item) and try to store them one row deep
Scan or copy recipes into a high-contrast, large-print format and organize them alphabetically by food type
Hang frequently used kitchen tools from a wall-mounted peg board
Use contrasting items (e.g. white coffee mug, black measuring cups, under the counter lighting, oversized dial and button timers)
you (e.g. organized by food type or item) and try to store them one row deep
Mark appliance dials with bump dots to make the settings easier to identify
Opt for the microwave instead of the stove

Managing finances

Organize bills and important papers in varying color trays or folders with large print labels
Access accounts online to enlarge the font size when paying bills and viewing statements
Use adaptive equipment (e.g. large-print checks, signature guides and magnifiers)