The caregiver

The word caregiver refers to a persona person who takes care of an individual with special needs, such as an elderly family member or a person who is ill or with disabilities. This role may be performed by a relative, a friend, or by a professional who helps the assisted person in handling daily activities, offering emotional support and, if necessary, medical assistance.

This subject was recently studied in the context of the INVAT (Istituto Nazionale di Valutazione Ausili e Tecnologie) D.A. (Device and Aids) Register, a multicenter observational study in which the Cavazza Institute played a major role. The study analyzed the distribution of devices and aids among the blind and visually-impaired as well as their use in the performance of daily activities.

A visual impairment may require variable assistance depending on the degree of residual vision, the person’s age, and the presence of any diseases. For example, low vision, a restriction of the visual field due to glaucoma, may limit the ability to move independently and safely, both at home and outside. On the other hand, loss of central vision caused by macular degeneration, may make it hard to read books, newspapers, documents, bills, and medicines.

Therefore, a caregiver has a demanding task that may have a strong physical, emotional, and psychological impact, generating stress, exhaustion, and difficulty in finding personal time. In addition to the emotional burden, there may be economic issues, especially when the caregiver is a family member who, in order to provide assistance, is forced to reduce or leave their job, with obvious financial repercussions. Moreover, institutional help is often insufficient to cover all needs.

Therefore, for a blind or visually-impaired person, functional rehabilitation is essential for improving self-sufficiency and reducing the load on the caregiver. The need for constant assistance may be reduced and a good level of self-sufficiency may be reached by identifying specific devices and aids, teaching the use of assistive technologies, offering courses in orientation and mobility, and teaching Braille.

For the caregiver, this means less physical and emotional stress, with lower risk of burnout and a better relationship with the person assisted. Investing in visual rehabilitation not only improves the quality of life of the blind or visually-impaired person, it is also an essential support for the caregiver.

The Cavazza Institute in Bologna has always been a reference point in this regard. People needing assistance can contact the Institute to explain their needs to its professionals, receive support and assistance, and evaluate together the best strategies in each case.

Personal services

Assessment of aids and consulting for the blind and visually impaired

Ausilioteca

A place to discover and work with aids to increase personal autonomy.

Limitless

This project, for people over 65, teaches how to use computer tools to make daily life easier.

Educational consulting

Provides support to students, families, and teachers for training needs and inclusive education.

For information:

+39 051.33.20.90

ausilioteca@cavazza.it - ipovisione@cavazza.it - sce@cavazza.it

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