Coping With Vision Loss

[jazzy]

my name is jazzy, im late 60s and am legally blind with wet macular degeneration and cataracts having mostly peripheral vision left to work with. my eyes started going bad in 2009 and steadily got worse. cantbe repaired or fixed, been to specialists and told to learn to live with it. it. ive learned a few things over the years that have helped me cope and deal with things.

1--dont wait to have an accident to give up driving. if you cant distinguish well eventually someone will get hurt. i live very rural on dirt road and had to drive about an mile to the paved street where the street mail boxes are. i told myself im fine as its just a straight dirt road with pot holes and i can still get the mail. years ago i got in my beloved jeep cherokee and drove the dirt road, got the mail and was driving slowly home. lots of big trees shade the road and i had problems with dark and shadows. i came to where i knew from memory was a large pot hole that everyone just drives around to the left. i was about to do that and i felt some inner warning not so so i stopped. in seconds someone zipped by on my left very fast passing me on a 4wheeler. if i had ignored that little warning i would have hit that guy and hurt him. i deep down inside Knew i needed to stop driving. after that never drove again and sold my jeep. i can be stubborn. especially when someone tells me i cant do something, lol so for those who know they will get worse, mentally prepare for when you cant drive and lose some independence. it is an adjustment i still struggle with.

2--one of the BEST eye supplements that impressed my eye docs is jarrows vision optimizer. check around for the best price. also can check ingredients and see if theres a less expensive brand but it has delayed the deterioration of my vision. if im lazy and skip a day or 2 i know a real difference, so ive tried to stock up on them along with extra lutein and MSM powder

3--MSM powder - good for joint pain and other problems but you can make your own eye drops. if you got floaters that are irritating and distracting this helps reduce or eliminate them. very cool. i first boughtsome MSM eye drops then learned to make my own, my eyes are very damages and the little i can make out i hated the floaters and the 'flare' that happens like a old time cameras flash---the MSM eye drops got rid of about 90% of floaters and cut the flares by 2/3s or so.
recipe to make your own MSM eye drops:

MSM eye drops
boil 8 oz distilled water
dissolve 1/2 tso sea salt
strain and put into quart jar
dissolve 2 1/2 tsp MSM powder
store in sterilized dark bottles
dose is 2-3 DROPS in each eye once or twice a day
i do 2 x a day

4--Get a Cane now
i know, it might feel like 'giving in' or you might feel embarrassed. i did until a disability trainer told me it was very helpful in getting aorund and it also alerts people to give you space. since i couldnt make my way without holding on to someone as i cant tell if the ground is flat or a step or a step getting a cane actually gave me some independence. i prefer the red and white folding cane, they run around $13 on amazon i think. some are all white but i like the red and white casue i need contrast to make things out. get a backup if you can, its worth it. and actually i got a heavy duty folding walking stick for when i want to walk around the yard--the ground is uneven, i have to have a good stick to help me maneuver and find my way back to the porch. get your cane now, it WILL be a help . i like this one but theres other models. also often with vision problems can come vestibular problems with balance. i have vestirbular damage and feel like im on a boat all the time. a cane really helps alot. youtube has vids on how to use them the best way, its worth watching them now and practicing.

5-- bright colored duct tape
i cant live without my neon colored duct tape. my vision is darkish, i need bright colors to mark things. for me, neon colors like orange, green and yellow are a big help. i put tape on the edge of steps so i know where the step edge ends on the porch steps and the stairs inside the house. r (ive fallen off steps several times, the tape fixed that) . i use it also to color code pill bottles, flashlights, anything to help me find things and make things stand out for me. i alwasy keep some extra rolls around it seems i need to replace the tape on the porch steps once a year. ive tried orange spray paint but it seems to not last as long. the darker the vision gets, this will help you find things

6--Make a RULE and get people used to it now becofre eyes get worse, to end frustration.
EVERYTHING HAS A PLACE IT BELONGS FOREVER AND NEVER EVER MOVE IT. ALWAYS PUT IT BACK.
tyou want to prevent the growing frustration of not being able to find anything cause you cant see. ex-the salt alwasy stays on the counter in THIS spot. the cheese is alwasy on the left side of shelf #2 on the right, etc. it helps to get started now training yourself and the other people in your home. they tend to need a bit more reminding. this gets to be critical.

7--hat and glasses. my eyes are extremely sensitive to bright sunlight, it causes me pain and gives me more blind spots. i never go out without a wide brim boonie hat and special super dark sun glasses, both from amazon. if your eyes are also sensitive might want to add some room darkening curtains. at a certain time in the afternoon the sun pours in my kitchen window that all but really blinds me, i cant handle it, so i have a pull down shade that says DONT TOUCH ON PAIN OF DEATH and darker curtains

8--Count Steps--learn to count steps. memorize your home. how many steps from your chair to the bathroom? how many steps from front door to porch, how many steps from front gate to your door, etc, etc. this becomes a big help. memorize your surroundings might feel silly but count them out loud, it helped me to remember more easier.

 

[jazzy]

9--Computer stuff. look around for a good Text To Speech program, some are free online usually the paid version is easier to work with. ive tried a coulk,e as i can barely read or make out letters. natural soft is a decent one, just got to learn the tricks. its good to practive with one while eyes arent so bad, reduces frustration.
also--windows has a built in text to speech re4ader. look up on adress bar when your on a web page. i see the page address then the number % ive blown up the page usually 130%. in between those is a rectangle. click on that, that is the reader. it makes yoiur pagfe turn white with just print and on the left is a box to click to select your voice and speed, etc. once you set the voice and speed, it stays that way, but you just click the audio signal and it starts reading. this is a free one, not perfect but helpful enough.

large screen, i have a 27in screen hooked into my laptop, cant live without it and i still have to blow up the font on the screen and use magnifiers.

test and font size--windows has ways to make titles and adress bar etc BOLD and larger. took me forever, im not a computer person but it is well worth it. you can do a search for HOW TO INCREASE FONT IN TITLE BAR then change your font to what you need. i had to do that with my thunderbird email also. you can also alwasy poay some computer guy to do it for you.

make screen bigger - hit CTRL and PLUS sign +. to make smaller hit CTRL and MINUS sign -

large letter stickers for keyboard. i need the contrast of a white sticker with bold black letter. some need the yellow or the white on black. pick what you like and try them, VERY helpful, try to get a backup set. can put on the laptop keyboard or a wireless keyboard.

i also had to get a light for my keyboard, ive tried several, just got to find one that works best and is bright enough for you.

10--Color Stickers - similar to getting the colored duct tape, i found frustration is reduced when i put color stickers on things to help me differentiate items. salt from pepper, etc--things like theven toothpaste. by the way try hard to not stash yout toothpaste near things like cortisone or hemmoroid cream. dont ask.

11--water bottles, etc.---the worse my eyes got the more i spilled things that made me feel bad, frustrated and yell at myself. i get very embarrassed spilling or knocking things over. i got a couple good stainless steel insulated water bottles. they will last forever, i cant break them and i dont spill any more. i like the contigo brand, 24oz as it has a simple screw on cap that has a push button to drink out of it. no more spills. i also got a stainless insulated coffee mug with a lid so i doint spill hot drinks either. both on amazon and not expensive and worth itto help me hold on to it better i got some of the silicone handles i put on the bottles. there are different style but i like bright colored and simple soldi strip with a loop on each end to affix at the top and the bottom on the bottle. cause when i drop things sometimes i cant find them! thats why i like handles and bright colors put on all my personal itemsv lol

12--e-readers. i cant live without my kindle to read to me. i used to be an avid reader and it broke my heart i coundlt read my books anymore including my bible. there are audio books but for me that was too expensive so i have a kindle and download books. you can get an kindle unlimited account for aobut $10 a month and its like a lending library, you can down load 10 t a time then return and download more. if you love books, this works well. amazon also has a large selection of FREE kindle ebooks you can download and keep, mostly the classics. i rely on this so much every day i got a backup and then a fire tablet. i prefer the kindlwe its just easier for me, but i have my books and favorite music loaded on the tablet. i also got a mp3 bible player that reads it to me that i listen to eveyr day. the less you can use your eyes the more you use other senses. i need musci and books to stay sane.,

13--its ok to have a down day and get pissed or sad or even cry over the loss of your vision it is like a death--life changes forever kick a stump if you have to, have a good cry or even yell your frustration at God. He is a big God, He cna handle it. He didnt make us blind but He sure can help us deal with it. and heres a friendly tip---if someone says they will pray for you and can heal you, let them if you want. but if you are not healed when they siad you should be, dont let them blame YOU for lack of faith or not responding right. dont be put in that corner. they will say it takes faith to be healed, no it doesnt. it takes faith to live with what you got and still believe in Gods goodness and love for you despite the burden you have.

one more thing and ill shut u[.

14--night lights. i cant live without some kinds of night lights to light the way from my bedroom to the bathroom at night , mostly so i dont trip over the dogs who love to sleep there. ,my electric goes out periodically especially in witner so i got some solar light bulbs, they are the best ive ever tried and with a full charge are bright at least 8 full hours. they have a little soalr panel i taped in a sunny window and plug them in every mortning. a good feature is on cloudy days they can be recharged with a mini usb cord too. a 2pk runs around $20.amazon.

15--magnifiers. get some. i have some 3X, 5X and 10X. i have a magnifier page reader but cant use it anymore. theres differetn types but its good to have a couple, like one in your bag, one by your bed, desk, chair, etc. get the lighted ones i think they help better, also the head lamps with magnifiers at least 3.5X , ive found them very helpful and there are differetn styles. for me the bigger the diameter the magnifier the better it works for me. you just got to try different ones out.


well, thats what i got for today, if anyone has any questions or ideas, id love to hear.

thanks
jazzy

 

[Sourdough]

well, thats what i got for today, if anyone has any questions or ideas, id love to hear.

WOW.........an outstanding and helpful thread. I have many questions.

The only thing I could contribute to this subject, is I've been for three or four years working on "Shooting Firearms" blind. Go ahead and laugh, I've watched people shoot, and they thought they could shoot, when observing the result.......I am not sure if they knew they were blind or misunderstood the target.
Anyway I'll post about work I am doing with this subject.......what has been a failure, and the modest list of what works.

I hope this is a massive large thread. Thanks for starting it.

 

[elkhound]

you get 5 gold stars for this thread...outstanding and thank you !

 

[Terri9630]

8--Count Steps--learn to count steps. memorize your home. how many steps from your chair to the bathroom? how many steps from front door to porch, how many steps from front gate to your door, etc, etc.

I've done this for years without really thinking about it. I've had horrible night vision since Jr high.

 

[jazzy]

WOW.........an outstanding and helpful thread. I have many questions.

The only thing I could contribute to this subject, is I've been for three or four years working on "Shooting Firearms" blind. Go ahead and laugh, I've watched people shoot, and they thought they could shoot, when observing the result.......I am not sure if they knew they were blind or misunderstood the target.
Anyway I'll post about work I am doing with this subject.......what has been a failure, and the modest list of what works.

I hope this is a massive large thread. Thanks for starting it.

thank you very much sourdoughh.
im not laughing at all---i think on the same thing. i used to be a decent shooter and even did elk hunts. id love to hear what you have worked out and tried, good or bad.

i can still make out shape and forms with a bit of light, i believe i can still hit center mass or pretty close based on shape. might be messy tho, lol. course maybe im just dreaming. but i definitly need some practice and make adjustments. like since my center vision is pretty much shot and i rely on peripheral, i need to learn that difference . a friend has offered to take me to a range and i neeed to do that to find out exactly what i can or can not do.

ive heard bout this thing, forgot wht its called, its a laser cartridge for your weapon that helps you practice. ive heard it on the dan bongono show and had in the back of my mind it might be helpful for me to practice if its not too expensive.

whenever you have time id enjoy hearing your experience on that and anything else dealing with this challenge. . thank you

jazzy

 

[hiwall]

forgot wht its called, its a laser cartridge for your weapon that helps you practice

One of my sons just got that. It works with a smart phone. Put the laser cartridge in the gun and fire normally. The laser flashes when it is hit with the firing pin. Too fast to see with your eye but have the smart phone facing the target with the app on. It records the laser flash to show you where you hit the target.

 

[Caribou]

One of my sons just got that. It works with a smart phone. Put the laser cartridge in the gun and fire normally. The laser flashes when it is hit with the firing pin. Too fast to see with your eye but have the smart phone facing the target with the app on. It records the laser flash to show you where you hit the target.

Link?

 

[Meerkat]

my name is jazzy, im late 60s and am legally blind with wet macular degeneration and cataracts having mostly peripheral vision left to work with. my eyes started going bad in 2009 and steadily got worse. cantbe repaired or fixed, been to specialists and told to learn to live with it. it. ive learned a few things over the years that have helped me cope and deal with things.

1--dont wait to have an accident to give up driving. if you cant distinguish well eventually someone will get hurt. i live very rural on dirt road and had to drive about an mile to the paved street where the street mail boxes are. i told myself im fine as its just a straight dirt road with pot holes and i can still get the mail. years ago i got in my beloved jeep cherokee and drove the dirt road, got the mail and was driving slowly home. lots of big trees shade the road and i had problems with dark and shadows. i came to where i knew from memory was a large pot hole that everyone just drives around to the left. i was about to do that and i felt some inner warning not so so i stopped. in seconds someone zipped by on my left very fast passing me on a 4wheeler. if i had ignored that little warning i would have hit that guy and hurt him. i deep down inside Knew i needed to stop driving. after that never drove again and sold my jeep. i can be stubborn. especially when someone tells me i cant do something, lol so for those who know they will get worse, mentally prepare for when you cant drive and lose some independence. it is an adjustment i still struggle with.

2--one of the BEST eye supplements that impressed my eye docs is jarrows vision optimizer. check around for the best price. also can check ingredients and see if theres a less expensive brand but it has delayed the deterioration of my vision. if im lazy and skip a day or 2 i know a real difference, so ive tried to stock up on them along with extra lutein and MSM powder

3--MSM powder - good for joint pain and other problems but you can make your own eye drops. if you got floaters that are irritating and distracting this helps reduce or eliminate them. very cool. i first boughtsome MSM eye drops then learned to make my own, my eyes are very damages and the little i can make out i hated the floaters and the 'flare' that happens like a old time cameras flash---the MSM eye drops got rid of about 90% of floaters and cut the flares by 2/3s or so.
recipe to make your own MSM eye drops:

MSM eye drops
boil 8 oz distilled water
dissolve 1/2 tso sea salt
strain and put into quart jar
dissolve 2 1/2 tsp MSM powder
store in sterilized dark bottles
dose is 2-3 DROPS in each eye once or twice a day
i do 2 x a day

4--Get a Cane now
i know, it might feel like 'giving in' or you might feel embarrassed. i did until a disability trainer told me it was very helpful in getting aorund and it also alerts people to give you space. since i couldnt make my way without holding on to someone as i cant tell if the ground is flat or a step or a step getting a cane actually gave me some independence. i prefer the red and white folding cane, they run around $13 on amazon i think. some are all white but i like the red and white casue i need contrast to make things out. get a backup if you can, its worth it. and actually i got a heavy duty folding walking stick for when i want to walk around the yard--the ground is uneven, i have to have a good stick to help me maneuver and find my way back to the porch. get your cane now, it WILL be a help . i like this one but theres other models. also often with vision problems can come vestibular problems with balance. i have vestirbular damage and feel like im on a boat all the time. a cane really helps alot. youtube has vids on how to use them the best way, its worth watching them now and practicing.

5-- bright colored duct tape
i cant live without my neon colored duct tape. my vision is darkish, i need bright colors to mark things. for me, neon colors like orange, green and yellow are a big help. i put tape on the edge of steps so i know where the step edge ends on the porch steps and the stairs inside the house. r (ive fallen off steps several times, the tape fixed that) . i use it also to color code pill bottles, flashlights, anything to help me find things and make things stand out for me. i alwasy keep some extra rolls around it seems i need to replace the tape on the porch steps once a year. ive tried orange spray paint but it seems to not last as long. the darker the vision gets, this will help you find things

6--Make a RULE and get people used to it now becofre eyes get worse, to end frustration.
EVERYTHING HAS A PLACE IT BELONGS FOREVER AND NEVER EVER MOVE IT. ALWAYS PUT IT BACK.
tyou want to prevent the growing frustration of not being able to find anything cause you cant see. ex-the salt alwasy stays on the counter in THIS spot. the cheese is alwasy on the left side of shelf #2 on the right, etc. it helps to get started now training yourself and the other people in your home. they tend to need a bit more reminding. this gets to be critical.

7--hat and glasses. my eyes are extremely sensitive to bright sunlight, it causes me pain and gives me more blind spots. i never go out without a wide brim boonie hat and special super dark sun glasses, both from amazon. if your eyes are also sensitive might want to add some room darkening curtains. at a certain time in the afternoon the sun pours in my kitchen window that all but really blinds me, i cant handle it, so i have a pull down shade that says DONT TOUCH ON PAIN OF DEATH and darker curtains

8--Count Steps--learn to count steps. memorize your home. how many steps from your chair to the bathroom? how many steps from front door to porch, how many steps from front gate to your door, etc, etc. this becomes a big help. memorize your surroundings might feel silly but count them out loud, it helped me to remember more easier.

Jazzy nice to kinda meet ya.I'm the other one here famous for bad typing errors like my cyber friend here @VThillman said ,plus no spell check.
Good points about cane ,duck tape and lights.
Just today I knocked my coffee over and cussed. I have to hold onto screen going down the 4 steps off porch. Walking is not easy on unlevel ground so I'm careful.
I gave myself one of the worst black eyes I've never had walking into a door. I miss driving more than anything so guess if anything good about this covid its not to be able to go anyplace anyway,JK.
I have to lean down over keyboard to see the keys and that is bad on the neck. The longer I try to make sure I'm not making mistakes the more pain it causes. But I'm getting better.
Certain lights are bad for me. Bright sun and dark pantry's or places. I had great balance now I have to be careful.
I can't see salt coming out of shaker or spices so cooking is harder too.
This just since Sept 26,2019 when brought BP down too fast and caused a stroke .Peripheal vision lost.plus I think now have cataracts which makes no sense sense they don't happen instantly. So I don't trust the dr.s. 3 months before the stroke I had perfect vision,which surprised the dr.s at my age well no more surpise now. When stroke hit I started falling aanf hubby caught me took me to hospitla where my dr said it ws ataracts so we had it out. I told him no such thing as instant cataracts. Went to another eye dr he said you I had a stroke and permanant vision loss.
I will see if I can order the things you suggested.Hope you keep getting bettter .
And thank you for the info.

 

[Meerkat]

you get 5 gold stars for this thread...outstanding and thank you !

Me too.

 

[Haertig]

I would think that one of those voice assistants - I use an Amazon "Echo Dot" that has Alexa - might be helpful. I do all kinds of stuff with mine (there are actually six of them in my house, one at my mom's memory care living facility, and two that I keep as spares/future_use). Plus I have Alexa on my two tablets and my phone.

These devices are handy as a voice activated intercom. And you can intercom across the globe if you want. The feature is called "Drop In" on the Amazon devices. You can also call phone numbers by voice command. e.g., my mom (who has dementia) can speak to her Echo Dot and say, "Alexa, call David" and it dials my cell phone and then operates as a speakerphone on mom's end. You can turn lights one and off via voice command. Actually you can turn anything you want on/off, it doesn't have to be a light. A space heater perhaps (be sure to check wattage limits). You can have it play music on command, or read you an audiobook (requires a subscription to Amazon's Audible service). When I'm cooking, I use it all the time. "Alexa, set a hamburger timer for 10 minutes. Alexa, set a rice timer for 35 minutes." I usually have a couple of timers going at the same time. And it's good for altering recipe quantities too, "Alexa, what is one tablespoon divided by four?" Good for entertainment too, "Alexa, when is Gray's Anatomy on?" And general information, "Alexa, is Clive Cussler dead?" "Alexa, what is the temperature?"

I used to be worried about the intrusiveness of an always-listening device. But if you restrain yourself to not go babbling on about your social security number in front of one, it's probably not that unsafe. You have to say a "wake word" before they'll start listening. Very rarely will they mistake something in normal conversation as the wake word (unless your spouses name happens to be "Alexa" - that would be problematic). But you can change the wake word if that's the case. And when they've woken up they will light up to give you visual indication that they are listening (sorry, that feature may not be of too much help for you jazzy).

 

[Weedygarden]

I would think that one of those voice assistants - I use an Amazon "Echo Dot" that has Alexa - might be helpful. I do all kinds of stuff with mine (there are actually six of them in my house, one at my mom's memory care living facility, and two that I keep as spares/future_use). Plus I have Alexa on my two tablets and my phone.

These devices are handy as a voice activated intercom. And you can intercom across the globe if you want. The feature is called "Drop In" on the Amazon devices. You can also call phone numbers by voice command. e.g., my mom (who has dementia) can speak to her Echo Dot and say, "Alexa, call David" and it dials my cell phone and then operates as a speakerphone on mom's end. You can turn lights one and off via voice command. Actually you can turn anything you want on/off, it doesn't have to be a light. A space heater perhaps (be sure to check wattage limits). You can have it play music on command, or read you an audiobook (requires a subscription to Amazon's Audible service). When I'm cooking, I use it all the time. "Alexa, set a hamburger timer for 10 minutes. Alexa, set a rice timer for 35 minutes." I usually have a couple of timers going at the same time. And it's good for altering recipe quantities too, "Alexa, what is one tablespoon divided by four?" Good for entertainment too, "Alexa, when is Gray's Anatomy on?" And general information, "Alexa, is Clive Cussler dead?" "Alexa, what is the temperature?"

I used to be worried about the intrusiveness of an always-listening device. But if you restrain yourself to not go babbling on about your social security number in front of one, it's probably not that unsafe. You have to say a "wake word" before they'll start listening. Very rarely will they mistake something in normal conversation as the wake word (unless your spouses name happens to be "Alexa" - that would be problematic). But you can change the wake word if that's the case. And when they've woken up they will light up to give you visual indication that they are listening (sorry, that feature may not be of too much help for you jazzy).

Some of the houses that I house sit in have this kind of device. Some are able to adjust the temperature from their phones when they are not home. One house is set for google. "Okay, Google, turn on the deck lights to 100%." The lights are special kinds of lights that are not cheap. This couple got married two years ago, second marriages for both, and they both had a box of the light bulbs.

 

[jazzy]

Jazzy nice to kinda meet ya.I'm the other one here famous for bad typing errors like my cyber friend here @VThillman said ,plus no spell check.
Good points about cane ,duck tape and lights.
Just today I knocked my coffee over and cussed. I have to hold onto screen going down the 4 steps off porch. Walking is not easy on unlevel ground so I'm careful.
I gave myself one of the worst black eyes I've never had walking into a door. I miss driving more than anything so guess if anything good about this covid its not to be able to go anyplace anyway,JK.
I have to lean down over keyboard to see the keys and that is bad on the neck. The longer I try to make sure I'm not making mistakes the more pain it causes. But I'm getting better.
Certain lights are bad for me. Bright sun and dark pantry's or places. I had great balance now I have to be careful.
I can't see salt coming out of shaker or spices so cooking is harder too.
This just since Sept 26,2019 when brought BP down too fast and caused a stroke .Peripheal vision lost.plus I think now have cataracts which makes no sense sense they don't happen instantly. So I don't trust the dr.s. 3 months before the stroke I had perfect vision,which surprised the dr.s at my age well no more surpise now. When stroke hit I started falling aanf hubby caught me took me to hospitla where my dr said it ws ataracts so we had it out. I told him no such thing as instant cataracts. Went to another eye dr he said you I had a stroke and permanant vision loss.
I will see if I can order the things you suggested.Hope you keep getting bettter .
And thank you for the info.

meerkat, sending you a hug. im sorry for the stroke, that is a rough challenge. there are so many to work thru or try to overcome. im not a big fan of doctors since i went thru the breast cancer. i learned they dont always know what they pretend to know. i think we are better off researching things ourselves and asking lots of questions. so you did good to get another opinion.

im also nervous about steps, ive fallen down the basement steps and the porch steps and really got hurt. i easily trip on sidewalks, etc, for me the cane made a huge difference in stability and checking the ground / pavement in front of me. the folding cane that easily fits in bag made a very big difference and its very light weight can easily be used inside the house. the heavier walking stick i keep on the porch for when its nice i want to walk to the chicken coop or just walkj around the back for some sun and exercise.



i miss driving alot and having independence and freedom to get up and go where i want when i want. i hated selling my beloved jeep cherokee but it was time. life changes, i got to adapt.

i havent givren myself a black eye yet (ouch!) but ive walked into doors, open cabinet doors and open drawers getting lots of bruises. and i HATE spilling my drinks, im so clumsy. getting the stainless bottles for hot or cold drinks and mugs with lids has been a real help with that.

i tried to add in links to the items i use but they didnt post, not sure why but ill try again.

and a note i have no connection to anything id post, just sharing what ive found works for me after trial and error. . maybe some of you all have better things and id love to hear. thanks for your good wishes, im afraid my loss is permanent too.

take care and be safe. your typing was just fine for me, lol hollar at me anytime.

jazzy (yeehaw i found the smiley things)

 

[jazzy]

Some of the houses that I house sit in have this kind of device. Some are able to adjust the temperature from their phones when they are not home. One house is set for google. "Okay, Google, turn on the deck lights to 100%." The lights are special kinds of lights that are not cheap. This couple got married two years ago, second marriages for both, and they both had a box of the light bulbs.

weedygarden and haertig,
thank you for sharing that idea, ive not thought if it. i can see where it could be a real help to people, it can do many things for helping .. the lights sound cool too.

im reminded that i have a special phone for low vision people (also amazon). when it rings it speaks and tells me either the name of the person calling or the phone number. the number buttons are a bit larger and light up but still too small for me to see. its kinda why im lazy about using the phone, i tend to make mistakes trying to find nad push the right numbers and get frustrated. you can program a few favorite numbers for speed dial and i got my kids on that. i like hearing who is calling before i get up and walk in to the kitchen, cant stand the sales and robo calls so i dont get up if i dont recognize the name or numbner. .all i got is a land line i dont have the other fancy phone smart phone things..


i saw some phone systems where you speak the name of the person that is programmed and it dials, thats nice but was a little bit expensive for me.

thanks so much for the ideas.
take care
jazzy

 

[Weedygarden]

When my cell phone rings, it tells me who is calling, if it someone from my contacts.

 

[jazzy]

Important Things I learned

1--never ever try to cut your own hair. nope, dont do it no matter what you think you can do. put the scissors down and walk away. trust me on this.

2--you can get one of the blue handicapped stickers from amazon for a few bucks. i like having one in the window of my home in case of an emergency or fire or something it alerts the responders someone in there needs extra help. i guess it can depend on where you live, might not be safe to advertise if in a city or something. dont want to alert the wrong type of people a handicapped person lives there. also if you are vision impaired the person who drives you can get a sticker from DMV so you can park in handicapped place closer to store entrances.

3--if you dont see clear never ever open the door to someone you dont personally know. if its a cop TELL them pout loud and up front you are vision impaired , dont know them and NEED to see their badge. make them put their badge up to the door window and get your magnifiers to look at it. a real cop wont mind when he sees a handicapped sticker and you tell him your vision impaired and want to see his badge. i dont care if they say the are fbi or from the irs, nope. show the badge or im calling 911. if they act uppity or insulted or bully you , tell them to get off your property and that you are calling 911. this includes cable guys, electric guys, etc---never open the door to a stranger be polite, make them prove they are who they are.

dont let anyone at the door browbeat you or intimidate you to get in the house. there are bad nasty people who look to take advantage of disabled. we got to be safe and stay safe

4--if you live alone set something up with a friend or family that you send an email every day, doesnt matter, jokes, or anything. if they dont get an email from you to call first. if no answer then to come over and check on you. us blind folk can fall down the stairs and be stuck there or fall out in the yard or have someone break in, its good to have someone who you are connected to dailly who will check on you. my friend knows if she doesnt hear from me around noon but no later than 5pm dinner time to call and check on me. last year i slipped on the ice going to the chickn coop and laid there for a little bit til i could get up. my dogs were right there with me all worried and licking me trying to get me up (probably worried aobut their dinner being late, lol) i limped back to the house and was sore for a few days but if i was hurt badly id be in trouble in this rural area.

**also if you set this up remember to ALWAYS let them know if you are going out and will be back late or leaving town, , etc, so they dont worry.

5---IF your vision damage cause balance or dizzy problems there is something ive found very helpful. its called hylands motion sickness homeopathic tablets. they dissolve under your tongue and work fast, this has been an incredible help to me as i have bad balance dizzy spells usually worse when weather changes or in cars.

if someone has another idea id love to hear it.

 

[Sourdough]

What do they do with with old people who go blind......and have no family...?? Is there an option other then nursing home.......??? Do they have some "special" designed apartments for blind people....??? I really am clueless as to what my options are. And I have been putting off to long getting serious about planning for blindness.

I have not read this thread slowly and carefully, but how do you pay bills, how does one live without help.......??? Do you have to live in a city...???

 

[Caribou]

Mom's not blind but she is going down the dementia trail. I've set up most of her bills on autopay. I use the phone to pay almost everything else.

You might start to learn brail while you have some sight. Elevators already have a brail option next to the buttons.

 

[Patchouli]

@Sourdough in my area of Texas there are a few "helping hands at home" agencies. I am pretty sure that in a lot of these situations it is paid for by medicaid, medicare, private insurance or VA. I don't know if the pricing is based on your income; it would vary with each state and each agency.
It is set up so that if a person has a disability, and that includes being elderly and needing help, you can have round the clock assistance in the home. They prepare your meals and snacks, they do your chores, help as needed with bathing, and are there in case the person needs help. They are aware that people do not want to leave home and that for many over the age of 65, they are low income.
This is an area outside of the big cities and there is a lot of countryside and small communities.

Looking at Alaska, just as an example, I found this:
In Home Care Anchorage Seniors Can Trust
This is if you live in the Anchorage area and surrounding communities.

 

[jazzy]

What do they do with with old people who go blind......and have no family...?? Is there an option other then nursing home.......??? Do they have some "special" designed apartments for blind people....??? I really am clueless as to what my options are. And I have been putting off to long getting serious about planning for blindness.

I have not read this thread slowly and carefully, but how do you pay bills, how does one live without help.......??? Do you have to live in a city...???

sourdough, i feel your concern. i also think on this topic. im very rural way up in the mountains, i cant live alone and i know it. i cant take care of the chickens, firewood, gardens and dogs and shop and stuff all on my own. my kids mentioned me moving to a assisted living center. i have friends in some and seen the places, and they are pretty nice enough. they are very happy, everything is taken care of. they are content and im happy for them.

but its just not for me. that doesnt mean its wrong for others. its just not me. this is my home i worked for all my life. its not special but its mine.

i found a friend, an older gentleman with some health problems of his own but was broke and needed a home. ive known him for a couple years and knew his character.

we worked out a deal, he does the physical stuff i cant, including taking me to town once a month or to doctors . picks up the mail, the garden, runs the occasional errand, etc. he lives here rent free in the basement. turned in to a mini apartment not fancy but it is comfortable and better than living in his truck. in no way is he a servant or anything like that. he gets to live here for free for doing XYZ that i cant do cause i cant live on my own. he has his privacy and i have mine. he lives on his SS and pays his own bills nad i do the same. he loves to garden and loves my dogs. 1 or 2 a week we share a meal and watch a movie on netflix. nothing is ever perfect but this has worked pretty decent for both of us. we both need help and found a way to survive helping one another and has become like a family member to my grown kids..

if you love your home and it is safe and secure, is there someone youd trust youd ask to move in and share your home and outline their responsibilities? i know its not easy and needs reflection a nd prayer for a good decision about someone. disabled people dont need to be letting in strangers that may end upo being users we have to be very careful.

as for paying my bills i have all bills auto charged to my CC.
when i get my SS i pay my CC .

once a month my housemate drives me to town and we both get our personal groceries and run errands needed for the month. its not fancy but it works.

 

[hiwall]

Link?

Sorry he got them as a gift and just told me how they worked after he tried them. He has one in 9mm and one in 38 spl. The one for the auto is a pain if your gun is hammerless. The 38 one is easier but you still have to rotate the cylinder around for each "shot". He did not tell me the brand or anything and he nor I had ever heard of them before he got them as a gift.

 

[Grizzleyette___Adams]

as @Caribou mentioned, it is a good idea to learn Braille. Not only for being fluent for when you REALLY need it later, but now as well.

Braille for the Sighted (Beginning Braille) Braille ed. Edition by Stan Collins (Author)

(well that was strange, the Amazon link didn't show up here...oh well, just copy and paste the line into the Amazon search bar.)

Learn Braille: Uncontracted (Grade 1) & Contracted (Grade 2) Paperback – October 6, 2016
by R J Clarke



And look! You can slip paper into this gizmo and "write" in Braille by using the punch thingie to make raised dots on the paper. (I would imagine you could do this to playing cards and play Solitaire to help you learn how to read numbers quickly.)

4 Lines 28 Cells Braille Writing Slate and Stylus (Red)
Brand: VISIONU

(copy and paste that line ^^^ to Amazon's search bar...link is not happening on this one either. Weird.)


A practical idea for using Braille right now, whether you are blind or not quite there yet:

A blind friend of mine uses Puffy Paint to mark bottles and boxes with dots of paint that puffs up into raised dots. No more accidental mixups because you thought you saw...

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=puffy+paint&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

 

[Grizzleyette___Adams]

An excerpt from herbalist David Winston’s Facebook page:

The most common causes of eye disease (other than genetic) are often preventable and have to do with the process called “inflam-aging”.


Risks of some eye diseases increase:

• As you get older
• If overweight or obese
• With family history of eye disease
• In health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes

Reduce your risk:

• Healthy anti-inflammatory diet rich in highly colored fruits and vegetables, dark leafy green vegetables, essential fatty acids, fiber, and fresh nuts and seeds
• Stay active
• Don’t smoke
Protect your eyes:
• Wear sunglasses
• Wear protective eyewear when necessary to protect against injury
• Take breaks and rest your eyes when working on screens

Nutrients that are important for eye health include carotenoids – especially lutein, flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins.

Herbs and berries that enhance eye health include:
• Blueberry or bilberry fruit: enhance circulation to eyes, improves night vision, slows age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The solid extract has higher amounts of flavonoids.
• Goji berry (Lycium fruit): contains flavonoids, carotenoids and is anti-inflammatory.
• Chrysanthemum flower: rich in lutein, helpful for dry, painful, red eyes and hypertension.
• Ginkgo leaf: enhances circulation to the eyes, helps prevent age-related macular degeneration, slows progression of cataracts, and reduces intra-ocular pressure.
• Pomegranate: highly anti-inflammatory and a rich source of polyphenols
• Amla fruit: rich in phenolic compounds, highly anti-inflammatory

There's much, much more to these good measures...but that is a good start. There's a LOT of information Out There!

Use DuckDuckGo — Privacy, simplified. instead of Google to search for anything important. Google will show you ONLY what they want you to see and they are heavily biased and influenced by their advertisers and other "handlers."

 

[Meerkat]

@Sourdough in my area of Texas there are a few "helping hands at home" agencies. I am pretty sure that in a lot of these situations it is paid for by medicaid, medicare, private insurance or VA. I don't know if the pricing is based on your income; it would vary with each state and each agency.
It is set up so that if a person has a disability, and that includes being elderly and needing help, you can have round the clock assistance in the home. They prepare your meals and snacks, they do your chores, help as needed with bathing, and are there in case the person needs help. They are aware that people do not want to leave home and that for many over the age of 65, they are low income.
This is an area outside of the big cities and there is a lot of countryside and small communities.

Looking at Alaska, just as an example, I found this:
In Home Care Anchorage Seniors Can Trust
This is if you live in the Anchorage area and surrounding communities.

Many seniors lose their homes to medical services they can't pay or at least the equity in the home or what other assets they have.
Also these people are not always sane or giving as many are more into taking. Most unless independat care givers who do it for a living hire low income workers.
Some bring their kids and even grandkids ,steal from elders or worse.
Mostly this is good for those with money where they can hire from reputable mid to high income employees. All care givers aren't Mother Theresa's.
We have them here too one is called 'Visiting Angels'.
I had already checked on this and had a thread about it a year or two ago here forgot where it is now.
Communual living was best option but not popular. That way we pool our moneyand resources hire visting or whatever doctors,nurse and help care for each other but it is not popular 'yet'.

When home health agencies reduce or stop service | Medicare

“Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage” (ABN)
When the home health agency believes that Medicare may not pay for some or all of your home health care, the agency must give you an ABN.

Home health agencies are required to give you an ABN before you get any items or services that Medicare may not pay for because of any of these reasons:

• They’re not considered medically reasonable and necessary.
• The care is only nonskilled, personal care, like help with bathing or dressing.
• You aren’t homebound.
• You don’t need skilled care on an intermittent basis.

When you get an ABN because Medicare isn’t expected to pay for a medical service or supply, the notice should describe the service and/or supply and explain why Medicare probably won't pay.

The ABN gives clear directions for getting an official decision from Medicare about payment for home health services and supplies and for filing an appeal if Medicare won’t pay.

 

[Patchouli]

I applied for a position with such a group, they did a background check on me. I know three women that work for various groups too and they are professional in behavior and care, even though it doesn't pay much.

 

[Meerkat]

meerkat, sending you a hug. im sorry for the stroke, that is a rough challenge. there are so many to work thru or try to overcome. im not a big fan of doctors since i went thru the breast cancer. i learned they dont always know what they pretend to know. i think we are better off researching things ourselves and asking lots of questions. so you did good to get another opinion.

im also nervous about steps, ive fallen down the basement steps and the porch steps and really got hurt. i easily trip on sidewalks, etc, for me the cane made a huge difference in stability and checking the ground / pavement in front of me. the folding cane that easily fits in bag made a very big difference and its very light weight can easily be used inside the house. the heavier walking stick i keep on the porch for when its nice i want to walk to the chicken coop or just walkj around the back for some sun and exercise.



i miss driving alot and having independence and freedom to get up and go where i want when i want. i hated selling my beloved jeep cherokee but it was time. life changes, i got to adapt.

i havent givren myself a black eye yet (ouch!) but ive walked into doors, open cabinet doors and open drawers getting lots of bruises. and i HATE spilling my drinks, im so clumsy. getting the stainless bottles for hot or cold drinks and mugs with lids has been a real help with that.

i tried to add in links to the items i use but they didnt post, not sure why but ill try again.

and a note i have no connection to anything id post, just sharing what ive found works for me after trial and error. . maybe some of you all have better things and id love to hear. thanks for your good wishes, im afraid my loss is permanent too.

take care and be safe. your typing was just fine for me, lol hollar at me anytime.

jazzy (yeehaw i found the smiley things)

Jazzy I will surely order most of the items you put up. Soon as the light changes this afternoon here i nthe living room. I'm sure yoy understand what I'm talking about. and glad you found the smilies,they are neat and come in handy.

 

[Meerkat]

sourdough, i feel your concern. i also think on this topic. im very rural way up in the mountains, i cant live alone and i know it. i cant take care of the chickens, firewood, gardens and dogs and shop and stuff all on my own. my kids mentioned me moving to a assisted living center. i have friends in some and seen the places, and they are pretty nice enough. they are very happy, everything is taken care of. they are content and im happy for them.

but its just not for me. that doesnt mean its wrong for others. its just not me. this is my home i worked for all my life. its not special but its mine.

i found a friend, an older gentleman with some health problems of his own but was broke and needed a home. ive known him for a couple years and knew his character.

we worked out a deal, he does the physical stuff i cant, including taking me to town once a month or to doctors . picks up the mail, the garden, runs the occasional errand, etc. he lives here rent free in the basement. turned in to a mini apartment not fancy but it is comfortable and better than living in his truck. in no way is he a servant or anything like that. he gets to live here for free for doing XYZ that i cant do cause i cant live on my own. he has his privacy and i have mine. he lives on his SS and pays his own bills nad i do the same. he loves to garden and loves my dogs. 1 or 2 a week we share a meal and watch a movie on netflix. nothing is ever perfect but this has worked pretty decent for both of us. we both need help and found a way to survive helping one another and has become like a family member to my grown kids..

if you love your home and it is safe and secure, is there someone youd trust youd ask to move in and share your home and outline their responsibilities? i know its not easy and needs reflection a nd prayer for a good decision about someone. disabled people dont need to be letting in strangers that may end upo being users we have to be very careful.

as for paying my bills i have all bills auto charged to my CC.
when i get my SS i pay my CC .

once a month my housemate drives me to town and we both get our personal groceries and run errands needed for the month. its not fancy but it works.

Sounds like a great arrangement. And your at home .

 

[Meerkat]

An excerpt from herbalist David Winston’s Facebook page:

The most common causes of eye disease (other than genetic) are often preventable and have to do with the process called “inflam-aging”.


Risks of some eye diseases increase:

• As you get older
• If overweight or obese
• With family history of eye disease
• In health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes

Reduce your risk:

• Healthy anti-inflammatory diet rich in highly colored fruits and vegetables, dark leafy green vegetables, essential fatty acids, fiber, and fresh nuts and seeds
• Stay active
• Don’t smoke
Protect your eyes:
• Wear sunglasses
• Wear protective eyewear when necessary to protect against injury
• Take breaks and rest your eyes when working on screens

Nutrients that are important for eye health include carotenoids – especially lutein, flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins.

Herbs and berries that enhance eye health include:
• Blueberry or bilberry fruit: enhance circulation to eyes, improves night vision, slows age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The solid extract has higher amounts of flavonoids.
• Goji berry (Lycium fruit): contains flavonoids, carotenoids and is anti-inflammatory.
• Chrysanthemum flower: rich in lutein, helpful for dry, painful, red eyes and hypertension.
• Ginkgo leaf: enhances circulation to the eyes, helps prevent age-related macular degeneration, slows progression of cataracts, and reduces intra-ocular pressure.
• Pomegranate: highly anti-inflammatory and a rich source of polyphenols
• Amla fruit: rich in phenolic compounds, highly anti-inflammatory

There's much, much more to these good measures...but that is a good start. There's a LOT of information Out There!

Use DuckDuckGo — Privacy, simplified. instead of Google to search for anything important. Google will show you ONLY what they want you to see and they are heavily biased and influenced by their advertisers and other "handlers."

I agree.I have always ate a fairly healthy diet but do like my chocolate .

 

[Neb]

Sorry he got them as a gift and just told me how they worked after he tried them. He has one in 9mm and one in 38 spl. The one for the auto is a pain if your gun is hammerless. The 38 one is easier but you still have to rotate the cylinder around for each "shot". He did not tell me the brand or anything and he nor I had ever heard of them before he got them as a gift.

https://www.itargetpro.com/
Itarget pro

Worked ok with old phone but never got it working with new one. Gave up since I had higher priorities.

Ben

 

[jazzy]

State AGencies for the bind and/or disabled

has everyone checked their own state for state agencies that offer forms of assistence for the disabled and blind? here in CO they offer a few things to help to learn ohw to adjust hook you up with orgs that will drive you for free to get your groceries, etc and other programs.

for example::

Business Enterprise Program
This is a program providing priority for people who are blind to operate and manage food, vending, and other business services in federal and state government office buildings and properties. The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) trains and places eligible legally blind entrepreneurs to manage operations in these buildings plus some privately owned facilities.

Older Individuals Who Are Blind
The Older Individuals Who Are Blind (OIB) program is a federally funded grant program that provides independent living services to persons age 55 or older and who are blind or visually impaired. Eligible persons are provided assistance in learning new strategies for accomplishing daily tasks and participating in family and community activities. Most persons served in this program have become blind or visually impaired in their later years. Independent Living services include advocacy, information and referral, cross-disability peer counseling and independent living skills training, as well as other services that assist individuals to maintain or regain independence and participation in their communities.


Howard Fund
The Howard Fund was made for the sole purpose of helping Coloradans with low vision or blindness increase their independence and ability to participate in all aspects of life. Mrs. Howard's generosity established The Howard Fund.



Resources

• American Council of the Blind
• American Foundation for the Blind
• Colorado Center for the Blind
• National Federation of theBlind