Transitioning to Assisted Living: Strategies for Life, Living Well with Vision Loss

Mary Beth Caruso, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
September 1, 2010

Last month’s column presented categories and checklists for evaluating assisted living facilities and nursing homes, with additional considerations to take into account for individuals who are experiencing vision loss. Now that a decision has been made for a family member to move to a specific place, here are some tips to make this transition go more smoothly while encouraging a high level of independence.

There is always an urge to get new items when moving into a new place; when starting fresh and clean.  Hold off! Often many years have gone into perfecting one’s space and routine so it is comfortable, reassuring and in a lot of cases, even more efficient. Especially with the changes associated with a move that may not truly be desired, maintaining familiar routines and keeping belongings considered valuable to the individual can become even more critical for an easier transition.

Before packing up the existing home or other living environment, walk around with the person who has vision loss. Take a picture (actual photo or mental image) of all that “works” for them given their vision loss. Talk about each area being observed and ask them what their preference is.  Then, try and replicate these preferences in the new living space.  Examples are:

• Pen and paper, placement and type, for taking notes by the phone
• Method for capturing or posting of phone numbers and other important information
• Placement of Talking Book Machine and containers with digital books
• Organization system for medications (if appropriate)
• Task lighting placement, purpose and items around it: On kitchen table, with single color tablecloth or a placemat that contrasts with dishes, for eating; Under cabinet lights for working on the counter; Gooseneck or other lamp placement over favorite chair for reading
• Nightstand on the right or left of the bed, with clock, lamp, notepad/pen and flashlight
• Painter’s tape around the toilet paper holder and light switches
• Dark folded facecloth on medicine cabinet shelf with toothpaste, brush and floss
• Contrasting handles on closets and cabinets
• Hotshot, coffee pot or other kitchen appliances; how they are labeled and placement
• Labeling systems and containers for holding: toiletries an other items in the bathroom; cleaning supplies; food items in cabinets or refrigerator
• Order of photos on top of the TV- if they brag about the grandchildren without having to get up close to identify who is who
• Favorite lap blanket, pillow and whatever else makes them feel at home.

Replication of methods and organization systems within a neat and tidy new environment can help an individual feel so much more welcome, relaxed and in control.  The less that they have to learn in their immediate living space frees them up to begin exploring beyond their unit.

The last article in this series will present ways to “train” staff to be more at ease with the new resident and consequently support them to be as independent as possible and to participate in the day to day life of the assisted living facility or nursing home. 

Perkins Outreach Services for Ages 55 and Older, Outreach@Perkins.org, 617-972-7643.

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