Tired of fumbling around in the dark? A little automation, when it comes to lighting up your home, adds immeasurably to a sense of security and safety.
Sensor light switches can be used throughout your house. You can install inexpensive hands-free devices without rewiring your whole house. The sensor detects movement and turns the lights on automatically when you enter a room. Does that sound too complicated or too expensive? Think again. The lights also turn off automatically when the room isn’t in use. Think how many gray hairs that would have saved your parents. Remember how they were always nagging at you to turn the lights off? The only downside is that if you are sitting still for a long period of time, the sensor may think you have left the room and pitch you into darkness. If that should happen you must stir and wave your arms around every once in awhile, so much for meditation.
Oh boy, another remote. Hand held lighting remotes are still the easiest solution. Wouldn’t you like to be able to control the lights from your chair or from your bed? The easiest version of this wireless smart remote is available in most home stores. The receiver plugs into a standard outlet and you just plug your lamp into the receiver to activate it. You can purchase several if you want to be able to control more than one lamp.
Sight is important to independent living. Thousands of people with decreased vision sit in the dark, because they just accept poor sight as a part of normal aging. They might not even consider that better lighting would improve their visual acuity. Many people do not appreciate the benefits of using good light.
According to Andy Fisher in his article “No light, no sight,” for (The Optician: Sutton: August 13, 2010), light has a significant impact on the visual system. Older people need more light in order to function well. It is generally accepted that most people with sight loss, benefit from increased illumination. Careful assessment and identification of individual lighting needs are important.
Problem Areas to Assess: Inappropriate and poor light levels. Different levels of light between rooms and poor distribution of light creates dark areas and shadows. The best way to light a room is to illuminate the ceiling and the tops of the walls so that light reflects around the room without glare. Lighting technology is rapidly improving. Energy efficiency is also important and LEDs are the wave of the future.
Speak to your optical practitioner about information specific to your disability. His/her recommendations will consider:
- The purpose of the light source: what the person wants to do and where.
- Even levels of light should be installed throughout the house to make it easier for the eyes to adapt as you move from one area to another.
- In the kitchen install small fluorescent lights to illuminate work surfaces. The main kitchen light should be bright with a diffuser cover to decrease glare.
- In the lounge a three-tiered system with a main ceiling light, secondary wall mounted fittings, and free standing task lighting lamps.
- Light sources should illuminate edges of stairs, landings and hallways.
- Pay attention to floor color and contrast (avoid patterned carpets).
- Appropriate shades and diffusers let will let light through but distribute evenly.
- Use task lights to support reading and writing, personal care, cooking, food preparation and other tasks.
- Use security lights on sensors to aid outdoor navigation.
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