Residents’ Perspectives on Living With Vision Impairment in Long-Term Care

• In Event: 499 - Section on Aging and the Life Course Roundtable Session.
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 05. Illness and Disability Experience

Abstract

Vision impairment in late life is prevalent and may be related to myriad experiences of stress and adaptation in elders’ lives. Long term care residents with vision impairment are more likely to have problems with ADLs, like dressing and feeding themselves, and increased rates of depression, social isolation, and falls. To better understand how visual health may impact care and quality of life in long-term care, this qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to consider the direct experiences of vision impairment among residents of an assisted living facility within a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) (N=13). Results indicate that vision impairment may be an ‘unseen’ and overlooked variable among long-term care residents that is critical for appropriate care and quality of life. Residents’ reported impact on daily life and coping strategies are discussed, yielding implications for adaptations of individuals, caregivers, and long-term care institutions.

Authors

• Robin Shura, Hiram College

• Rebecca Meehan, Kent State University