13 Tips to Make a Low-Vision Friendly Home
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that damages the macula. This region controls the straight-ahead, sharp vision that blurs the central image. Studies show that about 11 million people in the country have some form of AMD. Someone affected by the condition may find it challenging to carry out daily tasks at home. However, there are several tips to help individuals improve their ability to get work done at home.
Remove hazards
Most people have objects like electrical cords, footstools, area rugs, or flower pots placed in different regions of their homes. These articles can become tripping hazards if placed in a walking space of the house. Therefore, one should be mindful of where they keep such objects in their home or remove them to prevent accidents caused by falling.
Install contrasting switches
Switch plates and switches are often similar in color to maintain a clean look that matches the paint scheme at home. However, since AMD degrades one’s vision, someone with the disease might find it tedious to locate the right switch because of matching colors. As a workaround, one should install contrasting buttons and plates. Doing so will make differentiating between switches a lot easier.
Avoid patterns or striped flooring
Flooring that is heavily striped or patterned can often make it visually uncomfortable for people with AMD. Differentiating between the floor and the objects surrounding it may also be taxing. Therefore, those with the condition should stick to uniform textures to make walking around the house easier.
Add task lighting
AMD is known to affect various regions of the eye that affect how an individual sees low light. It also deteriorates their ability to identify details in such conditions. So an individual with visual impairment should add task lighting in various regions of their home. Adequate lighting under or inside cabinets, the living room, reading or crafting areas, and kitchen counters may improve one’s ability to function at home. Installing LED strips to mark pathways at home may also help improve one’s safety while walking home in low-light conditions.
Install tactile markers
Installing tactile markers on buttons and dials can help one identify settings or numbers quickly. Markers like velcro cutouts could be placed on oven buttons, washing machine settings, and microwave settings to help one navigate and find the desired sequence.
Experiment with light bulbs
The type of light bulbs one uses at home may also impact their overall vision. Fluorescent lights are suitable for complete room lighting, whereas halogens and LEDs serve as concentrated light sources. One should also look for bulbs with a color index close to 100. The colors from such light sources are more accurate.
Light up outdoor pathways
The lights leading up to one’s home may also serve as visual aids. Therefore, someone with AMD should install lights on their lawn to prevent tripping when they go outside at night or return home. One can try various light sources, including solar-powered and motion-sensor options, as these may help maintain power costs.
Add contrast to staircases
Individuals who develop macular degeneration may find it difficult to distinguish between staircases or similar colors. So one should install staircases at home with various colors. A more cost-effective solution is to place bright-colored tape along the edges of each step. This process will help add contrast to the staircases and make it easier for someone with AMD to walk with a reduced risk of falls.
Reduce room clutter
A room cluttered with too many things may affect how quickly one can identify an object they need. Moreover, the process may take much longer for someone with impaired vision. Therefore, going minimal in a few rooms makes it much easier for the eyes to locate objects. These rooms include the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. Decluttering the wardrobe may also help one find items quicker. As for the additional items, one could put them in storage to access only when needed.
Organize kitchen workstations
Organizing workstations is essential for those who want to cut down steps for a required task. For example, someone who drinks lots of coffee should station all items, such as the ingredients, measuring spoons, mugs, and coffeepot in one location. This way, the individual does not have to move from one side of the kitchen to another for supplies. Organizing workstations will also reduce the risk of accidental falls. Switching to light-colored coffee mugs may make it easier to see levels while pouring.
Upgrade screen size
Many individuals use computers at home for personal or work purposes. However, one may develop reading difficulties because of the tiny size of the screen. A perfect solution is to upgrade the monitor to a larger screen size (about 27 inches or more) for a better viewing experience. One can also try the in-built accessibility settings that let users increase font sizes, apps, and icons to make them easily visible. One can also add “trails” to their mouse pointers so that it is easier to spot.
Pay attention to bathroom visuals
One should pay close attention to bathroom visuals by using towels that contrast walls, making them easier to spot. A magnifying mirror may help improve their ability to see facial features and carry out grooming tasks without setbacks. Safety is also a key element in a bathroom. Using nonslip rugs and mats and installing a grab bar in the bathtub or shower area may help reduce the risk of falls.
Install a voice-activated assistant
With a voice-activated assistant, people with low vision can control various aspects of their home with a simple command. The actions include switching on or off the thermostat and lights, making phone calls, and setting routines and reminders. One can also use their smartphone to control such aspects of their home so that the lights are switched on before they get home.
