Seniors





	As a person grows older, the risk of vision loss due to cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, and macular degeneration increases. These are the leading causes of loss of sight in older Alaskans which can interfere with: reading the newspaper, labels on food and medicine bottles as well as mail and other documents watching television writing checks and maintaining financial records participating in crafts, hobbies, and other social or recreational activities Help is available through our Visually Impaired Senior Alaskans (V.I.S.A.) Program, which is part of a national effort to improve the lives of Americans who are 55 years of age and older with a vision loss. The V.I.S.A. Program is designed to help people maintain the maximum level of independence in their own homes and communities for more comfort and an enriched quality of life. Services are provided at the Center through support groups, classes, low vision assessments, and demonstration of various devices to increase opportunities for maximum use of remaining vision. They are also provided in an individual’s residential environment to assure that ways of being more independent are adapted to specific needs, goals, and living conditions.

	There are many effective ways to increase independence offered by the V.I.S.A. program, such as: Marking appliances so they can be used without needing to see small numbers or letters Showing ways to systematically organize utensils, food, and other household items so they can be located easily in the kitchen as well as other living areas Providing guidance in how to walk safely around the house and on the street Demonstrating a variety of aids and appliances that can enhance quality of life, such as magnifiers, eye drop cups, medication boxes, talking watches, and writing guides. Facilitating support groups Providing Center-based classes in use of computers and other communication devices to increase independence and promote more options for participation in family and community life Hosting Enrichment Retreats to enhance learning and provide an interactive environment that incorporates