I’m Scared to Live Alone with Macular Degeneration
“I live alone and worry about what’s going to happen to me.” This is not only a concern for those who have macular degeneration but for many people with perfect vision, especially those of a ‘certain’ age, ie. seniors.
Living alone and being alone
People live alone by choice or by circumstances. Decisions made when we’re young and healthy may become a problem when we’re older and not so healthy. When people in my Facebook group discuss this, if they hear that someone has children, they assume that the person gets help from them. As people often point out, just because you have children doesn’t mean they’ll help you!
How does a person deal with living alone and facing a vision impairment or the possibility of one? I think that there are 3 basic aspects:
- Building relationships
- Finding services BEFORE they are needed
- Deciding if it’s time to move somewhere with more access to what is needed or may be needed
Building relationships
Were you married but now divorced or widowed? Did you depend on your partner or spouse for many things of the things that are now a problem? You are not alone if that applies to you.
With a vision impairment or other health problems, the most important thing you can do is to create and nurture relationships so that you have a circle of friends, especially if you do not have a family or your family isn’t near. Here are some suggestions about where you might find people to create your circle:
- Church
- Senior groups: You can search for ‘area agency on aging near me’
- Face-to-face support groups: Search ‘low vision support group near me’ or ‘macular degeneration support group near me’
- Groups with shared interests: Check your local library for groups like these. Interests such as crafting, reading, exercising, and other pastimes
The other reason to be social is that there is a lot of research that says that those who remain social are healthier and happier than those who are isolated. Those who are isolated have higher risks of health problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease and more! You can search for ‘aging social interaction’ if you want to learn more about this research and what it might mean for you.
Continued…. To read the rest of this article, you can visit this link – https://bit.ly/338SQy1. This article was written and published on November 14, 2019, on MacularDegeneration.Net and authored by Linda C. Moore.
How Can We Help You Or A Loved One
Education: If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, we have prepared a 12-part eBook <Click here to download a PDF of the entire report.>
Smart Home: Our Smart Home services can help design a solution to help you or a loved one remain independent by using the many features of a Smart Home. <Click here to learn more.>
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Convenience: Our two(2) state-of-the-art technology showrooms are a wonderful resource, showcasing a variety of leading electronic low vision magnifiers and blindness products. You can schedule an appointment with one of our Technology Specialist who can help you find the right technology, training and care solution. If you cannot come to us, our staff can even drive out and bring our Vision Store to you, for a no-obligation product demonstration.
