No abstract

Although more therapists are responding to the increasing need for visual rehabilitation services for older adults, little is reported in the literature about the emotional experience of vision loss, especially in the words of persons with low vision themselves. This paper reports findings from a qualitative inquiry involving focus groups and in-depth interviews with 15 older adults using or considering using low vision assistive devices (Copolillo & Teitelman, 2005). Although the study's original intent was to focus primarily on decisions about LVAD use, psychological and social implications of vision loss emerged spontaneously as a dominant area of concern for participants. From an analysis of 154 codes derived from transcripted data, three themes related to psychosocial experience were generated: (a) Emotional Challenges, (b) Negative Emotional Outcomes, and (c) Indicators of Emotional Adaptation. In this article, individual components of the themes are described using illustrative quotes, and potential practice implications for therapists are presented.

This study examined the impact of personalized versus generalized education about environmental fall prevention recommendations on older adults' adherence with recommendations. Secondary aims focused on the impact of recent falls and perceived susceptibility of future falls on adherence with recommendations. Twenty-four community-dwelling older adults aged 65 to 89 years were randomized into two groups to receive either personalized or generalized education intervention on environmental fall prevention recommendations. A significant difference was found in the mean total percentage of adherence with recommendations of those receiving personalized education (69%) compared with those receiving generalized education (37%). No statistically significant relationship was found between sustaining recent falls, nor perceived susceptibility to future falls, and their extent of adherence with environmental fall prevention recommendations. Providing personalized education for environmental fall prevention recommendations may improve older adults' adherence with the recommendations given.

The purpose of this study was to describe how older adults with low vision make decisions to use low vision assistive devices (LVADs). Analysis of participants' narratives, from both group and individual interviews, revealed three topic areas affecting device use. Two are discussed in this paper: Experiences and Characteristics Leading to Successful LVAD Use Decision Making and Challenges to Successful LVAD Use Decision Making. The third, Adjustment to Low Vision Disability, is briefly discussed. Of particular importance to occupational therapy practitioners in the growing field of low vision rehabilitation was the value placed on low vision rehabilitation services to assist with acquiring devices and integrating them into daily routines. Occupational therapy services were highly regarded. Participants demonstrated the importance of becoming a part of a supportive network of people with low vision to gain access to information about resources. They emphasized the need for systems and policy changes to reduce barriers to making informed decisions about LVAD use. Results indicate that occupational therapists working in low vision can support clients by facilitating development of a support network, acting as liaisons between clients and other health practitioners, especially ophthalmologists, and encouraging policy development that supports barrier-free LVAD acquisition and use. These topics should be incorporated into continuing and entry-level education to prepare practitioners for leadership in the field of low vision rehabilitation.

No abstract