Living with vision loss can present unique challenges, but with careful preparation and organisation, you can maintain independence and navigate your home with ease. By implementing some simple adjustments, you can create a comfortable and safe environment tailored to your needs. Here are some tips to adapt your home to make it safer and easier to navigate with a visual impairment.
Optimising lighting around your home
Maximising the lighting around your house can help to enhance visibility. Installing bright light bulbs in key areas such as hallways, kitchens, and living rooms can help you to navigate around your home safely. Motion-activated or voice-controlled smart light bulbs can offer convenience and flexibility, allowing you to adjust lighting settings without relying on manual switches. For individuals who experience sensitivity to light, dimmer switches can help to control the light in the room, and voice-activated dimmable smart bulbs may be a good idea as they can be programmed to best suit your needs.
Labelling and organising
Using large print labels can make it easier to read what an item is and help you to identify items and appliances around the house and in the kitchen. Tactile labels with raised bumps or textured stickers can also help you to distinguish between buttons, drawers, and other objects by touch. Organising your space by keeping frequently used items in designated places can help to facilitate easy access.
Minimising tripping hazards
Removing rugs and ensuring that wires are secured against walls or kept out of walkways can help to reduce the risk of accidents. Arrange larger furniture items against walls to create clear pathways, while smaller furniture should be positioned away from high-traffic areas. Decluttering your living space can also prevent obstacles and tripping hazards.
Integrating smart home devices
Smart home devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home can be highly useful tools for individuals with vision loss. Using voice-activated assistants can make it easy to set reminders, check the weather, listen to news updates, and access entertainment options, just be saying a simple voice command. You can also link your voice-activated assistants with other smart home devices to control other parts of your home using voice commands. This can include smart lightbulbs, plugs, thermostats, and door locks. Using smart technology can allow you to optimise your home to best suit your needs.
Colour coding for identification
Using contrasting colours can help you to distinguish between different objects and surfaces. For example, if you have white walls in your bathroom, you might consider buying dark coloured towels for easier identification. Another example is adding covers to outlets so that they contrast from the colour of the walls. You can also add contrasting coloured tape along the edge of steps to help you to differentiate each step and prevent falls.
For more information
- For a personalised in-home assessment and recommendations, a Guide Dogs Occupational Therapist can help. Click here for information on Occupational Therapy.
- Always speak to your GP and eyecare professional about the best treatment options for you.
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