Any ways to help my grandad who's sight is failing?

[geordieminx]

Not sure whether this is the right place or not.

My grandad is 83, and his sight is starting to deteriorate quite badly, he has a bleed behind his eye, and was having injections to control it, but I don't think it's making any difference

He lives alone - about 10 miles away from my mum, 150 away from me. He used to love reading, usually getting through 3 books a day, but is now struggling to read at all. I spoke to him last night, he couldn't even write his Xmas cards.

I'm worried about his mental health, and wondered if there is anything I could do to help him still cope with the every day tasks that he's struggling with, also concerned about his safety as his sight gets worse.

He is so independent, the sort of gentleman that always wears a shirt and cravat, and its killing me seeing him so sad.

Bless his heart. Can you contact his local Council for help? Also, there are many Groups/charities who help people who are visually impaired and provide/lend equipment.

Equally, the RNIB provide Audio Books and Newspapers on tape/cd. I know it's not the same but it might be that he can still do the things he loves by simply changing the way in which he does them ie he could use something as simple as a magnifying glass to read his cards. The RNIB will also provide help regarding safety.

I can't really advise regarding mental health, although I understand your concern. Where abouts does he live?

geordieminx,

I'm so sorry, it is really very sad.I know exactly what you mean having been in a similar position with my grandad.Your grandad sounds absolutely lovely.

Have a look at macular disease site and the partial sight organisation and perhaps ring them for advice.It sounds like wet macula degeneration as he is probably having lucentis injections.

I would ask him to go to his library as they should be able to get audio or large print books and perhaps have details of local societies where he could meet other people with similar experience of sight loss.

The hospital should be providing him with some low vision aids via a low vision assessment so ask him if he has had this and been provided with magnifiers.If not, get him to be referred on via his GP.If he has had this but says his magnifiers aren't working get him to resee them to swap them for others.Good lighting can help alot.Social services are responsible for supplying daily living and mobility aids and they should have been informed via the hospital or his GP.

I would in your position read as much as I can about what I could do and then sit down with him or get your mum to do the same.Talking helps alot especially if you can understand what he is going through .Could your mum go to his next hospital appointment with him to check his prognosis and ensure he is getting the low vision help.

Perhaps get him a talking books subscription or talking newspaper subscription for Christmas.These are both good for writing cards.

There are things out there that can make a difference.

Thanks so much for taking the time to help me.

Spoke to him this afternoon, he had been taken to hospital, as he had fallen getting off the bus.

It's just that he is still so independent. Up until last year he had a motorbike, and would take it to Ireland every year to see his beat mate. He,s thankfully sold his car, although if his sight is so bad that he can't write cards, he probably should have stopped driving a lot sooner.

Will suggest the Audio books to him, I presume there is another way of ordering them other than online.

Will also start and look into getting him some help via hospital/social services.

Thanks once again.

geordieminx,

that is bad news.You must be worried.

Do push for help and make sure social services come in and adapt his home for his limited sight.