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As we welcome the sun-drenched days of July, many of us feel a renewed sense of vitality and energy. Summer brings moments of joy—garden walks, warm breezes, and family visits on the patio. But for older adults, especially those receiving hospice or palliative care, these same sunny conditions can bring new challenges—particularly when it comes to protecting their vision.

July is Healthy Vision Month, a national observance created to raise awareness about preserving eye health across the lifespan. At ComForCare, we are deeply committed to caring for the whole person. This includes addressing the sensory changes that accompany aging and illness—particularly vision, which connects individuals to their loved ones, surroundings, and remaining sources of joy.

Hospice care focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Preserving vision—no matter how minimal—is a compassionate and meaningful way to support those values during life’s final chapters.

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How the Summer Sun Affects Aging Eyes

While natural sunlight supports mood and circadian rhythms, its effects on the eyes, especially unprotected eyes, can be harmful over time. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, invisible to the naked eye, can damage the eye’s delicate structures and exacerbate existing age-related conditions. Even short periods of direct sun exposure may pose risks.

Key risks for seniors include:

• Cataracts: UV exposure speeds up the clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to blurred, dull, or dimmed vision.
• Macular Degeneration: The sun’s rays can damage the macula, the center of the retina, causing difficulty with reading, facial recognition, and seeing fine detail.
• Dry Eye Syndrome: Warm, dry environments and exposure to fans or wind may worsen dryness and irritation, which is already common among seniors.
• Photokeratitis: Sometimes described as a “sunburn of the eye,” this condition causes pain, redness, tearing, and temporary vision loss after intense exposure.

These effects are not only physical—they can also lead to emotional withdrawal, increased disorientation, or frustration, particularly in patients who already face declining independence.

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The Unique Role of Vision in Hospice and End-of-Life Care

For many seniors, even limited or aided vision contributes to daily comfort, orientation, and connection. In hospice care, the smallest pleasures—watching birds outside the window, admiring family photographs, noticing flowers on a bedside table—become deeply significant. Vision supports:

• Emotional connection: Seeing a loved one’s face fosters recognition and reassurance.
• Environmental awareness: Maintaining a sense of space helps reduce confusion, falls, or fear.
• Personal dignity: Even with assistance, the ability to visually engage with surroundings helps seniors feel more involved and present.
• Joy and identity: Reading, crafting, or simply looking outside can offer moments of peace and familiarity.

Thus, vision protection isn’t merely about eye health—it’s about supporting who a person is and what still brings them peace.

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Eye Care Tips for Seniors: What Caregivers Can Do

As a caregiver, you play a critical role in helping preserve comfort and prevent unnecessary vision-related discomfort. Below are simple, effective, and caregiver-appropriate strategies to protect the eyes of older adults this summer:

1. Offer Sunglasses That Block 100% of UVA and UVB Rays

• Look for wraparound styles or those labeled “UV 400.”
• Use sunglasses even indoors when near large, sunny windows.
• Keep glasses clean and labeled for easy access.

2. Encourage Wide-Brimmed Hats

• Hats with at least a 3-inch brim provide essential shade.
• Consider soft, lightweight materials that don’t irritate sensitive skin.
• Hats can reduce glare for those with light sensitivity or cataracts.

3. Ensure Consistent Hydration

• Dehydration worsens dry eye symptoms.
• Offer water frequently, using small cups or straws for those with difficulty swallowing.
• Consider water-rich foods like melon, cucumbers, or smoothies if fluids are hard to tolerate.

4. Incorporate Eye-Healthy Nutrition

• Nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and omega-3s support eye function.
• Recommended senior-friendly foods include:
  • Mashed sweet potatoes or cooked carrots (rich in beta-carotene)
  • Cooked kale, spinach, or collards
  • Soft scrambled eggs or avocado
  • Tuna or salmon (or flaxseed oil as an alternative)
• Consult with hospice dietary staff if texture modifications are needed.

5. Control Indoor Light Exposure

• Use sheer curtains to soften the midday sun coming through windows.
• Avoid overhead fluorescents; opt for soft, directional lighting.
• Adjust screen brightness on televisions or tablets used by patients.

6. Limit Outdoor Time During Peak UV Hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

• If outdoor time is part of care routines, schedule it earlier in the morning or later in the evening.
• Use umbrellas or shaded patios to reduce direct light exposure.

7. Use Eye Drops When Needed

• Artificial tears can soothe irritation but should be administered under medical guidance.
• Keep drops in a cool place and check expiration dates.
• Monitor for signs of infection or allergic reactions.

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Recognizing Signs of Vision-Related Discomfort

Seniors, especially those with cognitive decline or verbal limitations, may not articulate eye discomfort. Subtle cues can include:

• Holding objects very close to the face
• Squinting, frequent blinking, or closing one eye
• Pulling away from light or avoiding windows
• Rubbing the eyes or facial area often
• Appearing more withdrawn or confused

If these signs are observed, communicate them to the hospice team so adjustments can be made.

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A Gentle Reminder for Healthy Vision Month

As we reflect on Healthy Vision Month, consider how just a few small changes can protect your loved ones’ eyes and improve their comfort. Whether it’s adjusting lighting in the room, offering a hat for a sunny day, or simply noticing if they seem bothered by glare, these thoughtful actions matter deeply.

Protecting vision doesn’t require large or complicated interventions. It starts with mindful caregiving and simple adjustments to daily routines. Offering a sun hat for a short walk, dimming harsh lighting in a patient’s room, or noticing whether they squint in bright conditions are all gestures of attentiveness that can dramatically reduce discomfort. Even suggesting sunglasses during car rides or positioning a patient away from intense window glare can help ease sensory strain. These seemingly minor decisions become acts of love.

In homecare, the smallest actions often carry the deepest meaning. A moment of visual clarity—being able to see a loved one’s smile, recognize a photo on the bedside table, or gaze out a window to spot a bird or a blooming flower—can provide emotional anchoring. It helps reinforce a person’s sense of self, which is especially important when they may be experiencing disorientation, fatigue, or physical decline.

These simple visual moments often become core memories for both patients and families. They help maintain a sense of dignity and allow the individual to remain an active participant in their world, even if just for a few minutes. It’s not just about eye care—it’s about honoring what still brings meaning and presence to each day.

At ComForCare, we understand that comfort isn’t just physical—it’s also emotional and sensory. That’s why we emphasize holistic support that includes attention to visual health. We partner with families to ensure that lighting, environmental factors, hydration, and even diet are all considered when designing a personalized care plan. We also empower caregivers with knowledge and encouragement so they can advocate confidently for their loved ones.

Let this Healthy Vision Month serve as a gentle call to action. Whether you’re caring for a parent, spouse, grandparent, or patient, protecting their vision is one small but impactful way to show love. In doing so, you help them experience more clarity, more peace, and more connection—right where they are.

Let us keep protecting their eyes—and their sense of wholeness—one thoughtful step at a time.

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What Actions Should I Take Next?

If you or your loved one have been advised to consider either Palliative or Hospice care, it is important to understand the options available to you. ComForCare Home Care Scottsdale/Phoenix is also affiliated with Vital Palliative Care (www.vitalpalliative.com) and Royal Hospice Care (www.royalhospice.com/scottsdale).  This enables us to provide a Continuum of Care to support family and patient’s needs.  

There are many companies to choose from, but it is critically important to find a company that is ethical and truly puts quality patient care at the forefront.  Hospice Fraud is a real thing so make sure you do not feel pressured and understand all the benefits you and/or your loved one is elidable to receive.

If you’re considering companionship or caregiving for a loved one, reach out to our team to learn more about your options. We’re here to support you during this challenging time as we believe in personalized care plans and a concierge approach to patient care. 

Please call or email us at (480) 998-0668 or [email protected] to see what other patients’ families say about our services as we are very proud of our 5 star google reviews.  We will provide insight over phone from our Healthcare Advisor or will plan a time that works for you to meet with the patient and their family.  We are here for you!

You can also see videos of the Hospice process and meet our team on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@royalhospice.

Our company is a proud member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), supporting ethical, high-quality end-of-life care.

Our company is ACHC Accredited, an honor granted by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), which recognizes organizations that exceed care standards. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) only grants its coveted deeming authority designation to select national accreditation organizations that consistently exceed expectations.