Top Tips for Supporting People with Dementia and Sight Loss

Why This Matters

Sight loss can be missed when changes are attributed to dementia. A person may have difficulty finding objects, recognising faces, reading, avoiding obstacles or locating food. Dementia can also affect how the brain interprets visual information, even when the eyes are healthy. Recognising both possibilities helps us respond more thoughtfully.

Introduction

Support should begin with the individual rather than a list of standard environmental changes. Regular eye care, suitable glasses, good communication and a well-considered environment can all help. Contrast, lighting and layout matter, but sudden or unnecessary changes can also be confusing. Observe, ask and make changes with the person wherever possible.

Real-Life Example

A woman began leaving much of her meal untouched. This was initially recorded as a reduced appetite. A colleague noticed that the pale food was difficult to distinguish from the pale plate. A contrasting plate, better lighting and a clear description of where the food was placed helped her eat more independently. The change began with observation rather than assumption.

Mike’s Reflection

The environment is always communicating. A shiny floor may appear wet, a dark mat may look like a hole, or an object may disappear against a background of a similar colour. Good support is not about creating a perfect building. It is about noticing what the person may be seeing, asking what helps and making practical changes that preserve confidence and independence.

This Week’s Top Tips

Notice possible signs and check eye health

• Look for changes such as holding items close, missing objects, bumping into obstacles, being startled or struggling in different light levels.
• Make sure glasses are clean, comfortable, labelled where helpful and have a current prescription.
• Support access to regular eye tests and professional advice rather than assuming every change is caused by dementia.

Improve contrast, lighting and layout

• Use contrast to help important objects stand out, such as crockery, handrails, switches and bathroom fittings.
• Reduce glare and deep shadows, and provide even lighting that suits the person.
• Keep useful items in consistent places and remove unnecessary clutter without stripping away familiar belongings.

Communicate before and during support

• Introduce yourself and speak before approaching closely or offering physical assistance.
• Describe where items are using clear, practical language and familiar reference points.
• Ask what the person can see and what would help, rather than testing or correcting them.

A Gentle Reminder

Visual difficulties can change across environments and times of day. A person who manages well in one place may need different support somewhere darker, busier or unfamiliar.

October Dementia Care Challenge

Choose one everyday space and look at it from the person’s usual position. Check lighting, contrast, clutter and whether important items can be found easily. Make one person-led improvement.

Over to You

What might you notice differently if you viewed the environment through the person’s eyes?

Remember: Small Moments can make a Big Difference.

Evidence and development notes

• RNIB reports that more than 250,000 people in the UK live with both dementia and sight loss and stresses regular eye tests because one condition can mask the other.
• RNIB professional resources recommend everyday solutions that support independence, communication and use of multiple sensory cues.
• World Sight Day provides a timely link, but this article focuses on practical support throughout the year.