Coping

Hospitalization, an Enigma for the Visually Impaired

By Betty Mathews, DrPH

The sign on my hospital door read BLIND, BUT ALERT.

Why was it so unusual to be alert too? This prejudice, occurring in a hospital setting, or perhaps it was colossal ignorance, gave me pause. I had expected health care providers at any level to have an open and accepting understanding of impairments of any kind. Even the distinction between blindness and legal blindness or visual impairment seemed too refined to be taken into account.

Whatever this sign meant to the staff members who entered my room; it did not help them to meet any of the special needs of patients who were visually impaired or blind. Trays of food were placed on my tray table three times a day, however no one ever hesitated long enough to identify the food or its location, nor did they ask if I needed assistance. As I was required to lie flat, I needed to locate what could be eaten as finger food. This was not too difficult at dinner, but breakfast was a different matter. Toast was about the only finger food, if, in fact it, was served.

I recalled that in days past, a dietitian visited patients to determine if there might be special needs. Apparently this is no longer true. Beyond concerns I had about the sign, I had considerable difficulty when trying to maintainthe habits of simple hygiene. At one time when I asked for a wet washcloth for my hands, the health care provider displayed anger and rage and left the room. In the course of one week, I did not havea bath of any kind, nor a basin to wash my teeth, assistance to comb my hair, wash my face, nor did anyone change or smooth the bed sheets or any other measure of simple hygiene or simple comfort.

Indeed this was quite a learning experience. I discovered that what used to be nursing care was no longer available; that anyone, who had to be hospitalized these days should have a close friend or relative with them as much as possible to provide the simple tools for maintaining cleanliness and fill the role of patient advocate to make sure medical needs are met, and assist with eating if that is needed.

If I were to need hospitalization again I would want a close friend or relative with me whenever possible, who could fill the role of patient's advocate, see that tools to maintain personal hygiene were available and within my reach. Also I would want to prepare for as much independent action as my condition would permit. For example, I would want a supply of plastic cups that could be used as containers for brushing teeth. Antiseptic wipes would be useful for cleaning hands ifsoap and water were not available. A roll of paper towels and a box of quality tissue also would be useful. Artificial tears or eyewash recommended by my Retinologist is essential. For my special lighting needs, I would take a table and/or floor lamp designed for low vision needs. Hand held magnifiers also are important.

With these preparations, I believe I could care for my hygienic needs and my vision needs much more efficiently and with greater satisfaction. As I begin to feel better, a player and audio books would feed life into my environment whenever human social interaction was not available. In these ways, I think I may be able to identify the food on my plate, maintain reasonable hygiene, improve my mental health and stand a better chance of escaping infections. Visual Impairment is not by choice, nor is Alertness, but after this experience I amwondering if perhaps too much alertness in such a setting prevents peace of mind.

Betty Mathews is a Doctor of Public Health and Professor Emeritus, Behavior and Health Education, University of Washington. Currently, she lives in Green Valley, Arizona with her dog Sasi, who owns the home they share.

A time was when seeing with my eyes made it possible to accomplish the goals of every day living. More often than not vision occurred without my awareness. It was as if seeing is being. As my vision dims, other than sight is required. More and more the mind comes to the rescue by finding new ways of achieving goals for which sight alone was used. Thus, the title FROM MY MIND'S EYE was coined.

© by Betty Mathews, DrPH 2004