Texas Tech University. Final Chronic Exam Review.

1. Communication priorities: Blind patients Strategies for Interacting With People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision: a. Remember that the only difference between you and people who are blind or have low vision is that they are not able to see through their eyes what you are able to see through yours. b. Do not be uncomfortable when in the company of a person who is blind or has low vision. Talk with the person as you would talk with any other individual, honestly and without pity; do not be concerned about using words like “see” and “look.” There is no need to raise your voice unless the person asks you to do so. c. Identify yourself as you approach the person and before you make physical contact. Tell the person your name and your role. If another person approaches, introduce him or her. When you leave the room, be sure to tell the person that you are leaving and if anyone else remains in the room. d. Keep in mind that it is often appropriate to touch the person’s hand or arm lightly to indicate that you are about to speak. e. When talking, face the person and speak directly to him or her using a normal tone of voice. f. Be specific when communicating direction. Mention a specific distance or use clock cues when possible (e.g., walk left about 2 yards; walk about 20 feet to the right; the telephone is at 2 o’clock). Avoid using phrases such as “over there.” g. When you offer to assist someone, allow the person to hold on to your arm just above the elbow and to walk a half-step behind you. h. When offering the person a seat, place the person’s hand on the back or the arm of the seat. i. When you are about to go up or down a flight of stairs, tell the person and place their hand on the banister. j. Make sure that the environment is free of obstacles; close doors and cabinets so that they are not in the path. k. Offer to read written information, such as a menu. l. If you serve food to the person, use clock cues to specify where everything is on the plate. m. When the person who is blind or has low vision is a patient in a health care facility: i. Make sure all objects the person will need are close at hand. ii. Identify the location of objects that the person may need (e.g., “The call light is near your right hand”; “The telephone is on the table on the left side of your bed.”) iii. Remove obstacles that may be in the person’s pathway and could cause a fall. iv. Place all assistive devices that the person uses close at hand; let the person feel the devices so that he or she knows their location. n. Do not distract a service animal unless the owner has given permission. o. Ask the person, “How can I help you?” At some times, the person needs help; at other times, help may not be needed.