Merck Frosst
Patients and Caregivers

Glaucoma

Living With Visual Difficulties

Bedroom

up to top Vertical or Horizontal Blinds and Shades Ice Cube Tray Chest of Drawers Book Bed Bedside Lamp Closet
Planning and organization are critical in the bedroom.

For those with reduced-light sensitivity, the ability to adjust to changing light levels is slowed. In the bedroom, plan properly for nocturnal visits to the washroom. Arrange furniture to minimize obstacles that can cause stumbling and use a good system for organizing clothes.
  • Remove chairs from middle of the room unless they are required for support. Place chairs and other furniture along the walls to prevent collisions with them.

Bed
  • Use a covering in a contrasting color so that the bed stands out from its surroundings.

  • Select carpets or rugs in contrasting colors to set off the bed from its background.

  • Remove the footboard or cover it with a thick blanket in case of a fall.

  • Use a step stool in a contrasting color for getting out of bed.

Bedside Lamp
  • Place a goosenecked lamp on the night table to provide an adjustable light source for reading.

  • Place a night-light in the bedroom and one in the bathroom for nocturnal visits.

  • Use a dimmer switch if possible, so that the level can be adjusted gradually, thus avoiding sudden glare.

Book
  • Many books are available in large-print and Braille editions. Use a good close light source such as an adjustable goosenecked table lamp to ensure adequate illumination for reading.

Clothes Closet A well-organized closet is essential for the visually impaired person to find and combine clothes as desired. Some suggestions are:
  • Install a light in the closet to help locate items.

  • Select brightly colored clothes, which are easier to see, or select all neutral colors so that most items can be combined easily.

  • Hang matching clothes, such as jacket and trousers, together on the same hanger or side by side.

  • Purchase clothing in a variety of materials, which can be distinguished by touch, such as corduroy versus silk or polyester.

  • Create a personal system with labels on hangers. Use large-print labels or a tactile coding system, such as a plastic letter on the hanger; for example, "R" for a red dress. The same coding system can be used inside shirt collars.

Chest of Drawers Good organization is important so that the right item can be located as needed.
  • Group like items together. For example, place all socks to the left side of the drawer and all handkerchiefs to the right.

  • Use wooden or cardboard dividers to divide up the drawer space and create a system where each type of item has its own place.

  • Tape a chart on top of dresser with details on placement of different items.

  • Consider labels for each drawer to aid in identifying the contents.

Vertical or Horizontal Blinds and Shades
  • The drawstrings should contrast with the color of the blinds so that they stand out and are easy to locate.

  • Adjust the shades to either allow more sunlight to enter the room or to filter out glare from the outside.

This site is for residents of Canada. / This site was updated on October 26, 2011.