How To Take Care of a Blind Person
If a loved one is blind or if you’ve been assigned to take care of a blind person, of course, you’d have to learn of some important guidelines so you could offer the best care for him as possible. Read on:
Always demonstrate respect
It all starts with having the right perspective on the person you are taking care of. Check yourself: are you treating him as a baby, or are you putting too much attention on what he is incapable of doing? Make it a point to offer him the respect and value that he deserves as a human being.
Your goal is to let him remember his self-worth, and treat him with the same degree of respect and courtesy that you accord other adults around you.
Make your presence known at all times
Never surprise him and make it a habit to let him know whenever you’re entering the room he is in. This is just common courtesy.
Keep him safe
Make sure that the floor is cleared of clutter at all times, as clutter is potentially deadly to a blind person. You should also store away knives, scissors and other sharp objects.
Never rearrange furniture without his consent, as he already has a visual map of his living area that helps him navigate it safely.
Give him a high degree of responsibility
Remember, just because he’s blind doesn’t mean he’s incapable. You should let him feel self-sufficient and independent as much as possible.
Keep his commonly-used items in the same spots, so he knows where to get them by himself. You should also ask him about his preferred system of doing things, and try to accommodate these.
Let him initiate contact
It’s simply rudeness to grab the blind person’s hand and put it on top of your arm if you are intending to guide him towards someplace.
The best way is to go near him and offer your arm, tell him that he could hold on to your arm, then wait for him to do so.
You should also be one step ahead of him when you are walking together, except in the stairs, where it’s safer to stand side-by-side.
Care for his service animal, as well
Most blind people have service animals, or animals who guide them on their trips outdoors. You should also take the time to care for this animal, although of course you should get his consent and his advice on how you could provide care for his service animal.
Know of gadgets that could make his life easier
There are so many devices available which are meant to provide a higher quality of life for the blind. Some of these include Braille watches, JAWS audio screen-reading software, DAISY readers, scanning appliances, etc. Make sure that you are updated with the possibilities so you could offer it to him.
Coordinate with his other service providers
You should make it your responsibility to stay updated with his health records, necessary medication, etc, so you can tailor your care routine and ensure his holistic health and well-being.
Connect him with support organizations
These organizations could go a long way towards helping him be more productive and empowered. Check out the website of the American Foundation for the Blind for some useful links.
Taking care of a blind person will not just involve skill and patience, but also compassion, respect and courtesy. Make it your goal to help make blind person you are taking care of feel more empowered, productive and valued. Good luck!