Hey guys. My 78-yr.-old dad has "severe macular degeneration" (sp?) which means that he's rapidly going blind.
He doesn't know anyone else in his predicament and knows no "role models" or anything. His blindness is rapidly killing off his independence.
Do you guys know of any resources for adults who go blind? He wants to continue his volunteer work, but without the ability to drive or read, he can't do what he used to do. I thought he could maybe work as a volunteer grief counselor or something (he's VERY good at that stuff) on the phone or at a local (park ridge area) place... but I haven't found anything.
Do you guys know of any resources that could help him? He's in some support group that meets like once a month but it's not enough. He needs to feel useful again, and he needs to talk to other people who'd understand him. Help?
The Lighthouse for the Blind next to UIC west campus, on Roosevelt and Damen. full site: http://www.lighthouse-sf.org/
http://chicagolighthouse.org/
There is also an OT Beth Sullivan that specializes in vision problems at Northshore (formerly Evanston NH)sorry I can't find her number but she should be searchable if you call the hospital.
Have you checked with the local hospital? They tend to have many volunteer programs. They should also have resources for a support group. One thing to keep in mind, is let him have choices, that helps them over come having their independence taken away by this.My grandfather fell and spent the day on the floor until my mom went over there. My grandpa went into assisted living/nursing home situation for about 3 months last year. He was sad, because his choices/freedom was taken away. When my mom told them let him make is own choices things got better. (like what craft do you want to take part in etc.) We were lucky that he only was there about 3 months. Then he went to FL with my parents where 2 days before he was supposed to come back to this area, he fell and 2 days later he passed away. But he was the happiest being with my mom for those months in FL. It is hard after having so many years of independence for it to be taken away because of sight, but look for a school for the Blind? That will help him get some of his freedom back. They will teach him how to read and survive. There are many people who have this I am sure there is something out there. My other grandfather had this, but passed away before it go too terrible. If he goes to a school now, there are others like him and that might help. Good luck and treasure the moments you have with him.
M., I am totally blind myself and have worked in the blindness field for a little more than 35 years. There are tons of resources for seniors who are blind or visually impaired. One important thing to begin with is to learn to adapt your life, and one resource for this is through the Guild for the Blind at 180 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago; phone ###-###-####. kathy Austin and Polly Abbott run groups teaching adjustment skills. They travel to different parts of the city and suburbs. There are just tons of things too numerous to write about. You are welcome to email me off list at
____@____.com
and I will give you my phone number. I am now a teacher at the Hadley School for the Blind in Winnetka which is a distance education school, and we have courses for individuals as well as family members of individuals losing vision. The city has much to offer, but if you don't know where to look, it can feel like there's nothing. There may not be much if anythihng in Park Ridge, but there are indeed many resources.
You can check us out and see my bio as well as our courses at
hadley.edu
S. Howerton
Wheeling Township (actually in Arlington Heights) has a great support group. A lot of people who attend have mac. deg (& you could attend w/him, if you want). If you're not near there, you could check your village/township/hospital/Dr. Even if they don't have groups, they should be able to get you some resources. Or, you could call the Wheeling Twsp. office & they may be able to tell you if your area has a support group.
