Abstract:

This paper provides a follow-up to an earlier report on assistive device needs of older persons with vision impairment. In the earlier report we described a sample of 30 visually impaired elders based on a single interview with each subject. In this current paper we describe a sample of 38 elders with vision impairment at two points in time: an initial interview and assessment and a follow-up 2 years later. We explore cahnges over 2 years in demographics, health, psycho-social and functional status, problems experienced in the home and use of assisitive devices. Older persons with vision impairment face a number of chronic conditions but attempt to cope with their impairments using assistive devices. while they faced more problems within their home environments, they used more assisitive devices at the end of 2 years. More research is needed to understand the importance of high tech devices in assisting frail elders with vision impairment.