An Important Part of Senior Care in Flowery Branch, GA is Knowing about Age Related Macular Degeneration

As we turn the page on the old year and open up a new one, it is a good time to remind all seniors the importance of getting their vision checked at least once a year. February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration / Low Vision Awareness Month. Age-Related Macular Degeneration is a common condition found in those over 50 that a lot of people are not even aware of; it can be especially debilitating for seniors. Let’s learn a little more about it.

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

This condition which affects over 15 million Americans each year is the leading cause of the loss of vision for people over 50. It often develops extremely slowly over time so it is rarely noticed as the body makes adjustments to it until the condition has already become so severe that the body cannot adjust to it anymore.

AMD happens when the condition affects a spot towards the back of the retina in the eye called the macula. As the macula starts to deteriorate, it greatly impacts a person’s central vision which keys a person’s ability to see sharply and clearly. This loss of vision makes it difficult to do such important activities as driving, reading, watching TV, and to even be able to see faces clearly. It can have a very severe impact on a person’s quality of life and ability to function normally.

What causes AMD?

The onset of AMD itself is often brought on by such poor bodily conditions as those that are caused by high blood pressure, poor cholesterol level, smoking and obesity. There are other risk factors also that a person cannot control too, such as heredity, age, gender and race.

What are the Symptoms of AMD?

As we stated before, the onset of AMD is often so slow that there are not a lot of warning signs until it becomes severe, but here are a few symptoms that are often related to AMD:

• A person’s visions becomes increasingly blurry
• A person experiences blind spots in their vision
• A person notices lines that normally appear straight looking like curves
• A person experiences things such as square doorways appearing crooked
• When looking at an object it appears both smaller and further away than it should be normally

It is very important for anyone that experiences any of these or other vision related symptoms to immediately see an ophthalmologist or other eye care professional as quickly as possible.

What can be done about AMD?

Like many conditions, early detection is the key to treating it successfully and minimizing its effects on a person’s life. The only positive thing about AMD is a person can learn to live with it because it never causes total blindness. Advances in medical devices and optics have also helped people adjust to having AMD and live normal lives.

AMD is just one of those things that have become an important part of senior care and they need to be aware of it and how it impacts their vision as they age. That is why it is so important for everyone, especially seniors, to have their vision checked at least once a year.

The caregivers at Home Care Matters are available to talk with you and your family about all of your elder care needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care services in Flowery Branch, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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