Assisted Living: Encouraging Independence: Strategies for Life, Living Well with Vision Loss
Mary Beth Caruso, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
November 1, 2010
September’s column presented tips to make the transition to a new living environment go more smoothly. This month’s article, the last in this series, presents ways to educate staff to be more at ease with the new resident and consequently support them to be as independent as possible as they participate in the day to day life of the assisted living facility or nursing home.
One way to share effective environment management strategies with staff is to assemble a notebook with directions and photos to clearly show methods and organization systems used. This may be understood without reading English; or the directions can be translated into the language(s) of the facility staff. Photos of the set up that works might include: using the phone, talking watch, personal equipment, reading, blue painter's tape outlining light switches and more, lighting positioning for tasks as well as the flashlight in the closet, clothing organization, labeling systems and other adaptations used.
Another way is to place signs on the door, over the bed, in the bathroom, bureau and closet with instructions. These can be attached with Velcro so they can be taken down when desired so as to not look too institutional. However, the notebook is more private, effective and can be updated easily as changes are made. Other items that can inserted are: product catalogs; name labels; contact information including the rehabilitation agency, talking book program, family and friends; and sample pages of the most effective print size and thickness. Have on hand extras of their preferred pen, clearly labeled with their name. Include resources about eye conditions (i.e. What you should know about low vision…booklet from www.nei.nih.gov or 301-496-5248).
An effective way to provide training for staff is to have the resident tour the aids, clinicians and administrators through their new living space and demonstrate the adaptations made and systems used. This way the resident can show off their capabilities and maintain control. The notebook can be utilized to reinforce what is being shown. A critical piece of information to impart is the need to maintain order and organization within their space- taking care not to rearrange or move items without the knowledge of the resident. A walk-thru of the dining room is useful to tell staff personnel preferences due to vision (i.e. food location, dressing on the side, contrast, back to windows etc.).
An additional way to provide training is to bring in the Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) and Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS) from the Commission for the Blind or other rehabilitation agency. As they orient the new resident they can speak with staff about walking safely and systems established. Follow their example of good etiquette whenever visiting: identify oneself, speak clearly, use the resident's name so they know when being spoken to, speak directly to the resident versus others for them, tell what the plan of action is- especially if they will be touched, use proper technique for guiding, describe the meal set up, etc. Hopefully others will follow this good example.
Moving to a new location can be less stressful with careful advance planning, sharing clear directions and information about what makes daily living easier, and an open dialogue with supportive staff.
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