Seeing clearly: How a simple magnifying glass can make a big difference

Seeing clearly: How a simple magnifying glass can make a big difference

As I was struggling at work this week to read some fine print, I realized I needed the help of my twenty-something workmate, Max. It took him seconds to read what I could not.

I know my eyesight is weakening, but honestly, I have had a good run; being able to accommodate my vision changes throughout the years.

In third grade I got my first pair of glasses, a result of the teacher telling my mother I was squinting at the bulletin board. They were cat glasses, a popular style at the time, but I was still embarrassed and took my glasses off as I passed by the fourth and fifth grade boys as we walked the halls.

As I grew up, glasses were a mainstay. I needed them to read the blackboard, to see street signs when I began driving, and to pick out my friends from a crowd at the football game.

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Being seen helps caregivers seek support

Being seen helps caregivers seek support

Over lunch the other day, a dear friend was talking about the fact that she has been caring for her mother since her dementia diagnosis 14 years ago. She shared key points in her journey, like when she moved her mother into residential care, and how now, many years later, her mother no longer recognizes her.

In her role, she does extensive public education on care for seniors. She told me that, in talking with another speaker she’ll be joining on a panel, she came to a remarkable realization. She was sharing with him some details of her mother’s journey and the grief she is feeling as she continues to watch her mother slowly die.

He reflected back to her that it must be difficult witnessing her mother’s decline and asked her what she was doing to support herself.

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