Re:Ask HN: My mother is slowly looking her eyesight, how to ...
by gahikr on Monday August 28, 2023 @05:14PM
(#37300484)
My mom has macular degeneration and she loved to read.
At first I bought her an e-reader and a subscription to a library that had more ebooks than our local library. That gave her access without driving and she was able to adjust the font, font-size, contrast and brightness to her satisfaction. That worked for several years.
My backup plan for things getting worse was to move to audiobooks which she refused to try earlier because it felt like giving up to her. Braille was out of the question. Unfortunately vision loss is often, but not always, a precursor to dementia which I now know. She slowly stopped most activities she enjoyed entire life.
In some ways, attitude it the most important tool. Acceptance of things you cannot change, adaptability and creativity to handle unexpected events along the way, and compassion to support her in her journey.
At first I bought her an e-reader and a subscription to a library that had more ebooks than our local library. That gave her access without driving and she was able to adjust the font, font-size, contrast and brightness to her satisfaction. That worked for several years.
My backup plan for things getting worse was to move to audiobooks which she refused to try earlier because it felt like giving up to her. Braille was out of the question. Unfortunately vision loss is often, but not always, a precursor to dementia which I now know. She slowly stopped most activities she enjoyed entire life.
In some ways, attitude it the most important tool. Acceptance of things you cannot change, adaptability and creativity to handle unexpected events along the way, and compassion to support her in her journey.