Seniors
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On-Campus Programs
Essential skills for seniors- 2 Weeks
The Essential Skills Training offers training for greater independence and emotional support to seniors whose vision loss interferes with daily living. In this two–week program, individuals develop skills for safe travel, record keeping, money identification, health management, kitchen safety and other daily living skills. In addition, individuals receive emotional support and suggestions for social activities. We invite the primary caretaker to participate in the last day of this program in order to assist with follow–up in the home.
The Courses
Mobility: learn basic cane travel, safe street crossing, problem areas within the home and sighted guide.
Communications: explore useful low vision materials, audio equipment, record keeping, personal finance management.
Counseling: participate in group and individual counseling to help identify issues associated with vision loss and to formulate rehabilitation goals.
Low Vision: learn about current vision, lighting modifications, adaptive techniques and devices.
Personal and Home Management: develop organizing and labeling skills, time management, money handling, telephone techniques, leisure activities and stove safety.
Health: organize medications and review health management and resources.
Eligibility
Essential Skills is open to individuals 55 years of age or older who are ambulatory and experiencing difficulty in their daily life due to vision impairment. The onset of vision impairment may be recent or of long–term duration.
Admission
A one–day assessment is a pre-requisite to the 2 week program to establish potential and achievable goals. An information packet details the admissions process. You will need to provide us with a recent eye report, physical exam report and other reports, as needed.
Assessment Days
Assessment take place on campus from 9:15 am to 1:15 pm.
To learn more about our programs, we invite prospective consumers and family members to attend an Orientation Program.
The majority of consumers receive funding from state agencies for the blind. We also accept private payment.
For more information, contact Margaret Cleary at 1–800–852–3131, ext. 216 or email mecleary@carroll.org.
Senior Vision Assessment – Exploring Low Vision Solutions
This functional assessment by a Low Vision Therapist is designed to help individuals learn about equipment and resources to use their vision to its greatest potential. Understanding the extent of the visual impairment, using magnification and controlling lighting can frequently improve the quality of life for greater visual function. Areas assessed include:
Low Vision Magnifiers: Explore the wide range of high quality low vision magnifiers designed for your specific needs. Devices to enhance television viewing are also available.
Non–Optical Devices: Often a simple device or technique can allow seniors to perform tasks they have found difficult with vision loss. Learn how these can help.
Daily Living Skills: Identifying medications, shopping, telephone dialing, cooking and other daily living tasks can be frustrating. Learn how to accomplish these tasks in spite of vision loss.
Functional Implications of Vision Impairment: Many people are confused and frustrated by vision changes. Understanding how these changes affect how you see and function can help to reduce this anxiety.
Video Magnifiers: Special portable and desktop magnification systems can help regain independent reading and writing ability. Try these unique devices and learn how they can help you.
Computer Technology: A vision loss need not stop you from using or learning about computers. Large print software, accessible keyboards and larger monitors could give you the boost you need to be active with computers.
This assessment takes approximately 1.5 hours. Appointments are necessary and applications must be completed. Eye reports are helpful. There is a nominal charge to the individual for this service. Please call for more information or to request an application packet.
Contact Dina Rosenbaum at the Carroll Center, 1–800–852–3131 or email dina.rosenbaum@carroll.org.
Low Vision Demonstrations
Demonstrations of the latest low vision devices are held the first Friday of every month in our Low Vision Clinic. Hand-held, desktop and portable devices are shown. Individuals, family members, and professionals are welcome to attend. Reservations are required; call Dina Rosenbaum at 617.969.6200 ext. 238. Demonstrations take approximately 30 minutes and are scheduled beginning at 2 pm.
2008 Dates
- January 4
- February 1
- March 7
- April 4
- May 2
- June 6
- July 11
- August 1
- September 5
- October 3
- November 7
- December 5
Computer Basics for Seniors
Computer Training for seniors learning to use a computer with speech or large print software is available both at the Technology Center and in the home.
Contact Dina Rosenbaum at the Carroll Center, 1–800–852–3131 or email dina.rosenbaum@carroll.org.
Off-Campus Programs
Home Safety through Safe Home Program
Safe Home is a program designed to help those at risk of accident or injury at home as a consequence of the normal process of aging and vision loss. Cataracts and macular degeneration are two common visual problems among elderly persons that can have serious impact. While these often do not lead to the severe problems of total blindness, they place people at risk for accidents – mostly in the home. A specialist can survey the home and examine it from the standpoint of potential accidents, and recommend simple changes in the home’s layout that will reduce accident potential. The Carroll Center has offered Safe Home services since 1985. The emphasis is on “low–tech” solutions, the most common being:
- Install handrails on stairways where needed.
- Increase (or adjust) lighting in certain areas.
- Install window shades, blinds or other equipment in areas where glare is a problem.
- Move or secure scatter rugs where slipping or tripping is likely.
- Install grab bars or other appliances in bathrooms.
- Install tactual markings in key locations, such as oven and burner controls.
The specialist will use contrasts and lighting to improve visual abilities in critical areas. In some cases we can perform the actual work if the individual has no resources. But our primary function is to find the home’s most dangerous spots, even for people with minor vision problems.
The Safe Home program charges very affordable fees. For those with little or no financial resources, “scholarship” funding is available.
Funding
For further information, please contact Richard Connors, Vice President of Community Services at rmconn@carroll.org or call 617–969–6200, ext. 209 or email richard.connors@carroll.org.
Travel Skills, Orientation and Mobility
Orientation and Mobility. In this class the client learns independent travel skills. The process begins by evaluating current travel methods for safety and effectiveness. This is followed by a training program that will include specific travel needs required for the home, local neighborhood, school or work environment. Training may include methods of orientation in familiar and unfamiliar areas, low–vision skills or non–visual skills, motor skills and sensory information. The length of training will vary with specific goals and individual ability.
For further information, please contact Richard Connors, Vice President of Community Services at rmconn@carroll.org or call 617–969–6200, ext. 209 or email richard.connors@carroll.org.
Diabetic Self–Management
The purpose of this program is to ensure that a partially–sighted individual is safe to self–administer insulin or other medications. Methods of self–administration and adaptive devices are introduced to the client.
Contact Margaret Cleary at 1–800–852–3131, ext. 216 or email mecleary@carroll.org”:mailto:mecleary@carroll.org to setup an appointment.
