Try: If the cr used to knit but is no longer able to do so find an old sweater and start to unravel it the cr can then continue to unravel the sweater the wind the yarn into a ball fabric can be cut into strips and squares and the cr can put together the quilt pieces on a table or just sort them by size or shape if the cr is still able to use scissors pictures can be cut out of greeting cards and put into a scrapbook if several old magazines are available the cr can go on a scavenger hunt for certain pictures foods vehicles children etc and cut or tear those out large buttons could be sorted according to color or size and even strung on a cord pens or pencils could be sorted according to colors artificial flowers and vases could be provided and bouquets could be made

Materials: n/a

Categories: Social, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Outings to antique stores or museums may provide a perfect opportunity for the cr to shine with his or her knowledge the field trip would provide an opportunity for the cr to visit the past and share his or her knowledge about a particular kitchen utensil or piece of farm equipment with you and others you will be amazed at what the cr will remember the cr’s family friends and especially children will become interested in what the cr has to say and before long there will be an audience this will help build relationships that bridge the generations farmers especially like this type of activity

Materials: Antique stores or museums featuring antique tools or machinery

Categories: Social, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Try to discover what special interests music crocheting nature etc or hobbies woodworking bird watching reading etc and work it into an activity either talk about the interest or hobby read books about it or actively participate in it with the cr if the activity is no longer within the skill level of the cr order catalogs that specialize in the hobby or interest and shop for or allow the cr to explain what the different items are and how they were used by the cr always try to involve then in any activity you may be doing – if you are baking let the cr sort the utensils or spices needed let them join in your family activities by sharing photos and stories with them when an activity is planned for the first time don’t ask the cr whether or not they want to participate; make it a joint activity say come join me or let’s try this together have the cr help you with the activity if you make it a solo activity the cr could feel under pressure to do it right

Materials: n/a

Categories: Social, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: It may help if the cg can redefine their perception of the term activities activities do not have to be lengthy or complicated to be considered an activity the activity process itself – organizing the various materials for the anticipation of and the companionship and interaction throughout is as important to the cr as the end result gear the activity toward a past hobby or even a life experience of the cr but adjust it to the current skill set of the cr if the cr enjoyed playing cards for example but is unable to engage in the more complicated card games switch to a simpler type of card game a former gardener or farmer may simply enjoy planting and tending a windowsill planter doing nothing can also be considered an activity the cr doesn’t need to have every moment of their day filled with busy activities listening to soothing music or even just a relaxing video of an aquarium or fireplace is a quiet activity that still stimulates the senses of the cr if at all possible incorporate some type of physical exercise into an activity – such as taking a short walk having the cr help with physical household chores such as dusting or sweeping recreational activities such as playing catch or chair dancing or exercise could also be helpful to maintain balance and lessen the chance of falling

Materials: n/a

Categories: Social

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Try to involve the cr in all of the activities they used to enjoy but at a different level not only will this provide an enjoyable activity for the cr it may provide help for the cg with tedious and sometimes repetitive chores if drying dishes provides satisfaction for the cr have non-breakable dishes soaking in the sink and let the cr dry them and put them on the counter more dishes can be added to the water periodically as long as the cr is content to dry them let the cr dust and rearrange books on bookshelves this is an activity that can be ongoing and repeated many times if the cr enjoys being outdoors there are several chores that can be performed according to the season in the summer months there could be flowerbeds or gardens to weed in the fall leaves could be raked and put into containers and dumped and raked again if the activity provides enjoyment patios walkways and garages can be swept towels and washcloths can always be folded and put on shelves and refolded over and over

Materials: n/a

Categories: Social

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: If the cr used to knit but is no longer able to do so find an old sweater and start to unravel it the cr can then continue to unravel the sweater the wind the yarn into a ball fabric can be cut into strips and squares and the cr can put together the quilt pieces on a table or just sort them by size or shape if the cr is still able to use scissors pictures can be cut out of greeting cards and put into a scrapbook if several old magazines are available the cr can go on a scavenger hunt for certain pictures foods vehicles children etc and cut or tear those out large buttons could be sorted according to color or size and even strung on a cord pens or pencils could be sorted according to colors artificial flowers and vases could be provided and bouquets could be made

Materials: n/a

Categories: Social

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Begin helping the cr re-engage in social activities by discovering which friends and family members the cr would like to have contact with and assisting the cr to make the first contacts offer to write notes or letters to the cr cr’s friends and family members based on the words the cr dictates to you offer to help the cr with all the steps of mailing a letter that may be difficult for a person with vision loss addressing the label locating a stamp affixing the stamp to the envelope getting the letter to a postbox etc take a trip with the cr to buy stationary if necessary describe some of the stationary styles available so the cr can pick out the ones he or she thinks appropriate for specific people suggest to the cr that you write a few letters each time you meet specifically for letter-writing sessions suggest writing to different sets of friends at each writing session for example friends from school work church clubs etc letter-writing sessions may be a way for you to get to know how the cr is feeling and dealing with the loss of vision and related life changes listen and ask questions while planning the writing sessions the activity may raise memories the cr can share with you and it may open avenues of conversation about the cr cr’s interests and wishes reaching out to others through notes and letters may also be a way to re-start the cr cr’s social life reconnecting him or her to people and places outside the home

Materials: Colorful note cards or stationery

Categories: Social, So-So Vision, Poor Vision

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #look for cards designed so that numbers letters and symbols are large enough for high visibility to people with as little as five percent of normal vision the cards are standard sized and feature color-coded suites and black and red corner markers #these special decks can be located through medical supply catalogs adaptive equipment or independent living catalogs and through some agencies providing services to customers who are blind or have low vision

Materials: Playing cards designed for people with low vision

Categories: Social, Vision, Poor Vision

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #look for books that have been recorded for listeners and large-print books in public libraries #contact the bureau of blind services to be connected to the book service for the blind of the library of congress #if the cr uses a personal computer look for accessibility settings they can be adjusted to allow a display of all fonts type in larger sizes the cr can use this feature to read books and articles on websites that offer free collections of books online not for purchase but for reading #if the cr uses computers provided in public settings such as public libraries or adult education centers request an accommodation under the americans with disabilities act ada public computer resources should include those with features that allow access to people who are blind or have low vision #at some stages of vision loss a cr may find different tools useful for reading look for equipment to promote independent living online in independent living catalogs and on websites sponsored by organizations serving people who are blind or have low vision

Materials: Library bureau of blind services computer public or personal computer accessibility settings assistance

Categories: Social, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Vision, So-So Vision, Poor Vision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #a cr may need to stop volunteer activities during periods of unstable or poor health but a cr who is unable to leave home easily but whose condition is otherwise fairly stable may find it possible to do volunteer work from home #discuss with the cr what kinds of activities could be undertaken from home that could be of benefit to an organization the cr already volunteers for or is interested in volunteering for #if you are short of ideas make a list with the cr of faith-based civic or charitable organizations whose missions the cr supports contact their program directors or volunteer coordinators and ask what kind of work could be done for them from home #they might be able to use help with mailings phone calls data entry correspondence crafts program planning baking fundraising writing or editing soliciting donations of goods or services research organizing historical files etc #find a friend or ask the agency being volunteered for to connect the cr to another volunteer for projects two people could work on together at the cr’s home #keep a neat workspace from which the cr can do volunteer work whether a tabletop desk or kitchen counter the space should be comfortable clean and well-lit in addition to a telephone the cr may need a few supplies specific to the volunteer work being done phone stapler legal pads red pens a printer for example #review the cr’s ability to keep up with volunteer commitments every couple of months encourage the cr to be realistic about commitments and to be unafraid to say when a commitment needs to be changed because circumstances or interests have changed

Materials: Knowledge of cr’s strengths and abilities friend or another volunteer phone and work space

Categories: Social, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, No Supervision

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed