What Do You Need to Know about Cataracts as a Caregiver?

By Andy Niska | October 12, 2017 |

Cataracts are a buildup of protein on the lens of the eye which can eventually cause blindness. If your senior has been diagnosed with cataracts, there are some facts that can help you make life easier for her.

Home Care Services in Spokane WA: Cataracts

Certain Health Conditions Increase the Likelihood of Developing Cataracts.

Anyone can develop cataracts over time, but some people are more susceptible to developing them earlier in life. This is mainly due to specific health conditions that contribute to cataract formation. Some of these health conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Being a smoker.
Long-term drinking.
Being overweight.

Individual circumstances in your elderly family member’s own life can make her more susceptible to cataracts, so it’s important to talk to her doctor to be sure.

The Symptoms Occur Gradually.

For most people, cataracts are something that build up gradually over time. They very rarely become a problem quickly. Watching for the symptoms of cataracts can help. Some of the symptoms can include poor vision at night, dim or low vision, and sensitivity to light. If your senior is noticing some of these symptoms, it might be a good idea to schedule a visit with her eye doctor, even if it’s not necessarily time for a visit yet.

They’re Treatable.

In the beginning stages, your senior’s eye doctor is more likely to recommend methods for her to manage her cataracts. This is because treating cataracts means removing them surgically, which is an option saved for later. Glasses with special lenses can help, especially with night driving, and improving lighting can also help.

Your Senior May Need More Help.

As cataracts progress, your senior may need to have some extra help with daily tasks. Keeping her home clean and free of clutter is essential to help her to reduce the risk of falling. If you’re not able to help with this as much as you’d like, home care providers can be the perfect solution for both of you.

Scheduling regular eye exams can help your senior’s eye doctor spot problems before they become too severe. Some aging adults should see their eye doctors more often than once a year due to health concerns, so check to be certain how often is best for your senior.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care services in Spokane, WA, please contact the friendly staff at Love at Home Senior Care, today. Call (509) 204-4088

Author
Recent Posts

Andy Niska

Owner at Love In Home Senior Care

Andy has over 20+ years experience in the medical community and has a true compassion for seniors. With a degree in Health Care Administration, he developed a background in a variety of health care services that only comes from first hand experience. While working as a manager of a large clinic and as an account executive for medical suppliers. Andy has built valuable relationships with the medical community.

His role in Love In Home Senior Care is to educate people on what care choice is the best fit for the senior and their family while attempting to make this decision as stress-free as possible for everyone involved.

This decision making process should be smooth and stress free for everyone, including all family members and their loved ones. Having access to people with experience (like the team at Love In Home Senior Care) to assist you along the way can help this process. With an extensive background in health care, Andy has the experience needed to guide and direct your loved one to the choice that is the best fit.