Issue Index |
Successful Aging - Archived Article
Is Your VISION Becoming a BLUR?
What is the greatest challenge of growing old? For many seniors, it's decreasing vision. A recent local survey identified vision impairment as one of the most significant medical issues faced by older people in our community.
Fortunately, the Blind Work Association (BWA) offers many services to older people with vision loss. You don't need to be blind to use the services of BWA. If your vision problems are impairing your ability to function, BWA can help you learn new ways of doing things--new ways that can help maintain your independence.
You may be concerned about how you will be able to manage your household chores with your impaired vision. BWA can arrange for an experienced professional who understands the challenges you are facing, to come to your home to discuss the problems and offer solutions. For instance, there are self-threading needles; talking clocks; magnifiers; large print calendars; and lamps with direct lighting that can really help. Some seniors enjoy and can benefit from listening to "talking books". All of this equipment and more is available right at BWA in downtown Binghamton. When a staff person comes out to visit you, he or she can bring this equipment to you, and show you how to use it.
People with vision impairment often need hints for maintaining safety while cooking. BWA can teach you techniques such as how to safely feel for things and how to adjust the oven temperature. They can also mark things in the kitchen so you can tell what they are.
BWA offers training so people can continue to handle the many tasks of living outside of the home, too. This includes instruction for traveling safely and with self-confidence. If a white cane is appropriate for you, they offer instruction as to how to use one correctly.
Blind Work Association's goal in providing low vision services is to help you to enjoy all that life has to offer by using your other senses-- touch, hearing and smell. They also help you to make the most of every bit of your remaining eyesight.
Remember that some doctors may not know about the techniques you could learn to continue to manage your life. Even if the doctor tells you there is nothing he or she can do for you - - call the Blind Work Association. They can help!
Here's another piece of good news: BWA teaching and consultation services are Free. Funding from the Commission For The Blind and Visually Handicapped and private sources allow BWA to provide these services to you. Even some of the equipment a person with a vision loss may need is free. So, don't wait to call.
Blind Work Association, Inc.(BWA) provides services to the following counties in New York: Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga, and Tompkins. We also serve three counties in Pennsylvania - Bradford, Susquehanna, and Tioga.
If you or someone you know is in need of BWA services, call 607.724.2428, and ask for Linda Wilson.