Vision Changes As We Age - Learn what is normal and what is not

Everyone's vision diminishes with age. Some changes are normal; some are caused by age-related eye conditions.

Did You Know?


As we age, the quality of our vision diminishes naturally. Most changes typically are not severe, and a new prescription for glasses or a few adaptations, such as improved lighting, may be all that is needed. However, conditions such as macular degeneration,glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy can affect permanently the quality of sight for older adults.

Open your eyes to the facts:

● There is a difference between changes in the aging eye that are normal and those that are not.

● Learn what is natural, what is preventable, the possible warning signs and how to get help.

● Remember that eye care is important. Only a doctor can detect certain vision changes when you cannot — before symptoms become noticeable.

Find out the difference.


If you are experiencing changes in vision, or you know someone who is, seek help. Visit your eye doctor,
or search on www.visionconnection.org to locate an eyecare professional in your area or call (800) 829-0500.

GET THE FACTS -

For more information CLICK HERE to read "Vision Loss IS NOT A Normal Part of Aging"

Costs and financial assistance for adult day care

Depending on where you live and the services provided, the cost for an adult day care center ranges from $25 to $70 or more per day, (e.g., meals, transportation, nursing supervision).

While Medicare does not cover adult day care, Medicaid will pay most or all of the costs in licensed adult day health care settings and Alzheimer's focused centers, for participants with very low income and few assets. Be sure to ask about financial assistance and possible scholarships.

Private medical insurance policies sometimes cover a portion of adult day care costs when licensed medical professionals are involved in the care. Long-term care insurance may also pay for adult day services, depending on the policy. Additionally, dependent-care tax credits may be available to you as caregiver.

Benefits Check Up - Video - Find programs to help you with bills and expenses

To see a video about Benefits Check Up and the services they provide, CLICK HERE

Find programs that can help you pay for prescription drugs, health care, meals, utility bills, and more.

See if you’re eligible and apply for Extra Help paying for your Medicare prescription drug costs.

My Medicare Matters:
Find easy-to-understand information about Medicare's prescription drug coverage (Part D) and learn about services Medicare pays for to keep you healthy. Information is also available in Spanish.

Senior Housing Locator


Find senior housing options, including assisted living, residential care, nursing & rehabilitation homes, CCRCs and independent living retirement communities.

https://www.benefitscheckup.org/moreprograms.cfm?partner_id=0

Two-Lap Books give pleasure to many adults with Alzheimer's Disease

Two-Lap Books® are especially written for people with Alzheimer’s and people who care about them and for them. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias progressively interfere with communication skills; Two-Lap Books bring alive remaining abilities and lets you connect in happy ways.

Written by a daughter, Lydia Burdick, for her mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, these special books are Alzheimer’s activities that offer the perfect way for family and friends to visit with a loved with, and for caregivers to provide a more personal touch.

Two-Lap Books are interactive and fit comfortably over two laps. Charmingly illustrated by Jane Freeman. the helpful Conversation Prompts spark conversation and reminiscence on each page. Additionally, Happy New Year to You! has “old-time” sample songs for reading partners to sing together.

Reading Two-Lap Books together is an instant activity — no planning or preparation is required. Open to a favorite illustration, read from start to finish, or select just a page or two to spark an exchange. Tips on how to promote engagement with the book are provided ó or just use your own creativity! Here is a natural and unlimited opportunity to rebuild connections for the person with dementia, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and related disorders.

Researchers have found in a number of studies that reading can improve a patient’s quality of life. The meanings of written sentences can be understood by — and prompt cogent responses from — even those who have difficulty handling verbal exchanges.


Caregivers may be surprised to learn that reading ability is not always destroyed by Alzheimer’s. “All of my research demonstrates that people who were literate maintain their ability to read until the end stages of dementia,” said Michelle S. Bourgeois, a professor of speech and hearing science at Ohio State University.

At the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s disease, many literate patients may still enjoy reading books themselves, said Dr. Barry Reisberg, a professor of psychiatry and director of the Fisher Alzheimer’s program at New York University. Large-type reading materials can be used to assist later-stage Alzheimer’s patients to continue reading.

Books published for children and young adults may be easy to read, but they can be off-putting for people with Alzheimer’s. “If they see something as being childish, you have lost them,” Dr. Reisberg said.

The illustrations in Ms. Burdick’s books are based on realistic watercolors of white-haired men and women and their families, created by artist Jane Freeman, a friend of Ms. Burdick. The messages are clear and upbeat. “In November, I am thankful for so many things,” she writes. “In December, I celebrate the holidays. Let’s sing a song.”

Find Lydia Burdick's Books on Amazon - Click here

Now Online - The HBO Alzheimer's Project Documentary Films

The Alzheimer's research community collaborated with HBO, seeking to raise new awareness and understanding of this devastating disease in a series of films now available free of charge online. They have a compelling story to tell of scientific discovery, of research advances and challenges, and of the human faces behind the disease.

The first of the four documentaries in THE ALZHEIMER'S PROJECT is "The Memory Loss Tapes", which provides an up-close and personal look at seven individuals living with Alzheimer's, across the full spectrum of the progression of the disease.

"Momentum In Science" is a two-part state-of-the-science film that takes viewers inside the laboratories and clinics of 25 leading scientists and physicians, revealing some of the most cutting-edge research advances.

Alzheimer's Disease effects the entire family and extended family... even grandchildren and great-grandchildren. "Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am?" captures what it means to be a child or grandchild of one with Alzheimer's, while "Caregivers" highlights the sacrifices and successes of people who experience their loved one's descent into dementia.

THE ALZHEIMER'S PROJECT is a presentation of HBO Documentary Films and the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health in association with the Alzheimer's Association®, Fidelity® Charitable Gift Fund, and Geoffrey Beene Gives Back® Alzheimer's Initiative. The series' producer is John Hoffman; the executive producers are Sheila Nevins and Maria Shriver.

As part of THE ALZHEIMER'S PROJECT, 15 supplemental films provide an in-depth look into the scientific advances being made in research and medical understanding of the disease.

I am sure you will find these documentaries worth your time.

Click here to access the films

Penn State Study regarding Adult Day Care

This study by Penn State shows the  benefits to the caregiver when a loved one participates in an adult day services program.  Not only is their stress less, their loved one is more social.

Brethren Home Community Services, in Greenville, OH, (Darke County)  offers adult day services on our campus - 5 days a week from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. -

For more information call Jane Woodie  937-547-7642

Passport Accepted
Transportation provided for an additional fee


CLICK HERE TO READ THE STUDY