When a family member becomes blind

Acrobat

Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone would have information on the steps to take when a parent becomes blind. My father has recently had kidney failure and from that has nerve damage and cannot see. The doc's have made us aware that it is pretty much a permanent thing. We have contacted the National blind group but i was curious if from experience someone knew what other important steps can be taken?
Thank you.

Amz

I'm sorry to hear about your father's illness. It may take some time for him to come to terms with the loss of his sight as it is quite a traumatic thing to happen to someone.

There are many options out there as far as assistive technologies, or home assistance equipment is concerned.

There are benefits available to help pay for these etc. Info on which is available at www.oasis.gov.ie

I would be inclined to push the NCBI as much as possible as regards assistance etc. as they can be quite poor with follow ups at times.

You will probably need to ensure that his home is accessible for him, make sure he can get around it safely. I would contact the NCBI and possibly Irish Guide Dogs with regard to mobility training, if you feel this is a viable option.

Fighting Blindness run some group meetings where other blind and visually impaired people can meet to discuss their experiences etc and I know some people find these very helpful, as it can be difficult to communicate how you're feeling with someone who is fully sighted.

There was a recent exhibition in Dublin and Belfast called Seeing Better Ireland. I attended it in the capacity of an exhibiter, but found some of the other stands quite useful.

The website is here > http://www.seeingbetterireland.org/

On the site you will find a list of exhibiters who all have an interest in the area of blindness and visual impairment. From assistive technology, to audio libraries to support networks etc. You may find some useful info there.

Above all though I think you need to talk to your father, ask him what help he thinks he may need, listen to him, don't try to force things on him, although your intentions are good he may feel like his independence is being taken away from him too much.

Apologies if this answer isn't very clear I'll come back to it when I'm home from work if you've any other questions don't hesitate to ask.

billy the squid

I would second what Amz says about pushing the NCBI. Their follow-ups can be pretty crap.

My sister lost her eyesight after a botched eye operation, so I can only tell you what she done after she went blind.

After going to the NCBI, the first thing she did was start on mobility training with the long cane. She applied for a guide dog which she received last summer.

She also applied throught the NCBI for the technical Aids grant, and received special equipment. this scheme is operated by the HSE. the type of equipment she received was talking microwave oven, a special pen-light thingy for telling the difference between white clothes and coloured clothes. Computer, scanner for reading typed letters, and talking book machine.

She has the mobile phone with the TALKS software on it, however she had to pay for that herself and there is only one person in the country who installs it on phones it seems.

It is also worth finding out who your local NCBI officer is. they will be able to make representations for your father in things like, getting your local authority to make your father's home accessable for him,

Hope everything works out for you and your father.

Acrobat

Thank you both very much for your response. I found it very informative and helpful. At the moment we are waiting on the NCBI to get back to us but at least i know i may have to give them a push.

Thanks!:)