When a person has Age-Related Macular Degeneration, they have a giant blind spot in their vision that causes the inability to see what is right in front of them. This is extremely difficult because it affects your ability to write, read, do simple tasks, and even eat. With a giant black spot in your vision, you have to alter how you look at what is right in front of you just to see parts of objects. This can affect your psychosocial wellbeing in many ways because you now cannot do simple tasks without help. You may feel isolated, needy, annoying, or depending on your age as if you cannot be independent anymore. As the disease progresses, you will see less and less and require more and more help with daily tasks. According to studies performed by Brigham and Women’s, older adults with Age-Related Eye Diseases, including ARMD, showed reduced disease progression when consuming daily Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper. Some examples of foods including these vitamins and minerals are: citrus fruit, berries, melons, broccoli, vegetable oils, almonds, whole grains, carrots, sweet potato, spinach, chicken, pork, liver, seafood, and dried fruits. The inclusion of these vitamins and minerals will not completely stop the progression of the disease, but they can slow the process and hopefully give you more time doing things like driving and reading. (https://www.brighamandwomens.org/patients-and-families/meals-and-nutrition/bwh-nutrition-and-wellness-hub/special-topics/macular-degeneration). When caring for patients with ARMD, I will be sure to assist them in ADLs that they may struggle with, like telling them where certain foods are on the plate. I will also be sure to offer them assistance/alternatives to activities that they may no longer be able to enjoy. Overall, I will be aware of what they are experiencing and how it affects them physically and emotionally and be considerate of those feelings. This activity helped me a lot to see and hear what this person is seeing and hearing. It puts you in their shoes and makes you feel how they are feeling. I constantly wanted to turn up the volume, which is something that someone with hearing loss probably experiences every day.
