November 2022
Fostering Independence for Residents with Visual Impairments
Nicole is 53 years old and is legally blind. Until recently, she lived in a long-term care facility where virtually no effort was made to accommodate her disability. She spent most of her days in her room in bed with no recreational activities.
That all changed when she moved into a new facility and LTCO Investigator/Advocate Adlyn Nelson helped her reconnect with the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) and to connect with the facility social worker.
Now Nicole feels alive and well cared for. A representative from CBVI has interviewed Nicole and is committed to provide training and all necessary equipment to help Nicole improve her social and activities of daily living functioning, thus providing her with a better quality of life.
Nelson, a seasoned social worker hired by the LTCO this year as part of the agency's Social Isolation Project, not only linked Nicole with needed services but also provided Nicole with a cuddly mechanical cat who is a comfort to Nicole in her new environment.
Nicole enjoys listening to talking books. Her favorite is the Bible. With the new equipment and training she will receive from the CBVI, she is feeling more comfortable at this facility, and looks forward to meeting new friends and participating in activities. Reflecting on how her life is changing, Nicole said that in the old nursing home she "felt so alone, it was as if I were in a dark hole."
Today, Nicole is far more optimistic and looks forward to having greater independence. "Now I am looking forward to walking by myself on and off the unit when I get trained to walk with a cane and I won't have to bother the staff to turn my cat on and off."
November 11 is Veterans Day. Currently, there are more than 16.5 million Veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. With Respect, Honor, and Gratitude
VETERANS DAY
HONORING ALL WHO SERVED
Thank You, Veterans!
November is National Family Caregivers Month and National Alzheimer's Awareness Month!
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