Nursing home eye care improves quality of life for residents
A study which evaluated nearly 200 residents at 17 Alabama nursing homes, found that when basic eye care is provided to elderly residents it can have a significant and positive effect on their quality of life. Unfortunately, many nursing homes and caregivers do not provide mentally or physically impaired elderly with new or upgraded glasses.
Researchers divided the nursing home residents in the Birmingham, Alabama area into two groups after they were given vision checkups. One group was provided with new glasses a week after their vision test and the other group did not receive them until two months after the exam. They found that those nursing home residents who received the new eyeglasses first had less symptoms of depression and had higher scores for reading, activities, hobbies and social interactions.
Nursing home residents are up to 15 times more likely to suffer from vision problems, yet only 12% of the nursing homes in the United States have vision services at the facility. Many caregivers and administrators mistakenly believe that vision care will not do any good for those who are already suffering from mental disabilities.
Lack of quality eye care as well as improper estimates as to the effect eye care can have, is negatively impacting elderly residents’ quality of life. If more services were provided to treat nursing home residents, the researchers suggest that depression rates may drop and it could have a substantial positive effect on the quality of life for the seniors living in nursing homes. The results of the Alabama nursing home eye care study is published in the current issue of the Archives of Opthalmology.
NURSING HOME ATTORNEYS
More and more families trust nursing homes to care for their loved ones every year. When residents are not provided proper care, whether it be for their vision or other necessities, the quality of life can be significantly diminished.
The nursing home attorneys at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent residents and their families nationwide who are injured by negligent care or abuse. If you suspect that a serious injury or death was caused poor nursing home care, request a free consultation.
