Caring for a Loved One with Low Vision or Blindness

Caregiving doesn’t pause after November — and neither does the importance of staying connected to the right support. Plug-in to Care helps caregivers find trusted information, supportive communities, and practical tools that make each day a little more manageable. Whether you’re caring for a loved one this holiday season or any time of year, connection can make all the difference.

The Caregiver’s Role

Low vision or blindness refers to a range of vision impairment in which even with correction (glasses, contacts, etc.), an individual has difficulty seeing well enough to perform everyday tasks. For caregivers, helping a loved one with vision loss involves more than physical assistance—it means adapting environments, supporting emotional and mental wellness, learning alternate techniques (e.g. non-visual skills), and helping your loved one maintain independence as much as possible. Because vision loss can change over time, caregivers often need to continuously adjust, learn, and be patient with both their own expectations and those of the person with vision impairment.

Top 3 Things Caregivers Should Know

Adaptation & Skills Training Can Make a Big Difference

Skills such as using assistive devices, lighting modifications, labeling, orientation & mobility training, and non-visual techniques (touch, sound, etc.) help enormously. These are not intuitive, so resources/training are key.

Emotional and Psychological Impacts Are Real—for Both Parties

Vision loss can lead to frustration, loss of confidence, fear (of falling, of being dependent), depression, or loneliness. Caregivers may also feel grief, anxiety, or tension as roles shift. Acknowledging these emotional strains, seeking peer support, counseling, or community can help.

Caregiver Self-Care & Boundary Setting Matter

Many caregivers are informal (family, friends) and may suddenly be asked to do many things for which they haven’t had training. It’s easy to become overextended. Taking breaks, asking for help, knowing what external services exist, and maintaining your own health are essential.

Caregiving Resources

Partner Resources

Prevent Blindness:

> Living Well With Low Vision — Defines formal vs. informal caregivers; gives insight into the experience and scale of caregiving in vision loss.

> Eye & Vision Health Fact Sheets — Downloadable fact sheets on topics including signs of disease, how to find eye doctors, resources for older adults, conditions (AMD, glaucoma, etc.), safety, and preventive tips. Good for caregivers to learn what to watch for and how to stay proactive.

> Low Vision Videos & Tools (Prevent Blindness YouTube playlist) — Visual and auditory content demonstrating low vision experiences, tips, adaptive techniques, and stories.

Caregiver Action Network

This resource was developed with support from Prevent Blindness.

Plug-in to Care: Stay Connected

Caregiving can be complex, but you don’t have to face it alone. Plug-in to Care by connecting with trusted resources, supportive communities, and tools that help you care for your loved one — and yourself — throughout the holiday season and beyond.