Helpful Hints in a Hospital Setting 

If you have a patient who is blind or visually impaired…. 

·        Always identify yourself when entering a room by name and position.  Before manipulating or treating the patient, tell them what you are going to do.

·        Orient a person to their surroundings by showing them where the bathroom, door to hallway, phone and call button are using their bed as the reference point.

·        If you need to move furniture, water pitcher, personal belongings, always put the object back where it was.  If you can’t, be sure the patient knows what you have done.

·        Painting the doorframes a dark color would provide good contrast for a person with some vision.

·        Control glare in the room by adjusting the shades as necessary.

·        Let the patient know where the food is on the tray either by describing it using a clock system or show them using the silverware in their hands.

·        Try to use contrast on the tray.  If the dishes are a dark color, a white placemat under them may help the person find their plate.  Black coffee is more visible in a light colored mug.  Coffee with milk is more visible in a dark colored mug.

·        Talking books, Audio books or a Maine Airs receiver in a persons’ room may be a welcome change from watching television.

·        Don’t point when giving directions; instead, use words like “right” or “left.”  Remember that when you are facing a person, your right is his/her left.  Always give directions according to their orientation.

·        Don’t be afraid to use words like “look”, “see” or “watch”.  Changing your vocabulary will make the person feel awkward.

·        Usually there is no need to speak loudly to people who are blind or visually impaired; in most cases their hearing is just fine!

·        Use Sighted Guide technique, when walking with people for exercise.

·        Ask the patient how you can assist them, rather than assuming you know what  they need.

·         When walking with a person in the hallway, refer to points of orientation as we would (ie: walk out of your room and turn left, the nurses station is on your right…).

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