Book Review: Making Life More Livable: Simple Adaptations for Living at Home after Vision Loss

Abstract

Making Life More Livable: Simple Adaptations for Living at Home After Vision Loss, Third Edition, Maureen A. Duffy. New York: AFB Press, 2016,234 pp. Paperback, $39.95; e-book (ePUB or Kindle), $27.95; online, $23.95. Making Life More Livable: Simple Adaptations for Living at Home After Vision Loss, Third Edition, by Maureen A. Duffy, is an exceptional revision of the previous edition. It includes information that has been updated to address the changing trends in adapting to vision loss, as well as expanded information regarding a variety of vision rehabilitation services that can be offered to individuals with visual impairments. The foundational information and techniques for adapting the home and everyday activities remains the same as described in earlier editions; however, the new edition introduces information about advancing technologies (smartphones, tablets, and electronic independent living devices), provides new and updated resources, and includes full-color photographs and illustrations of described adaptations. In addition, the Preventing Falls in Your Home section in Chapter 4 and the Notes section at the end of the book are welcome additions. A PERFECT RESOURCE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILY MEMBERS The book is a perfect resource for individuals who are experiencing vision loss and the loved ones who support them. The book presents a comprehensive list of simple adaptations, information, and resources for living safely and functioning efficiently in every room of the home; it also provides practical tips on ways to modify everyday tasks in an affordable manner. The book provides immediate assistance to individuals who are visually impaired and their loved ones by providing information on how to tackle the everyday challenges that are experienced with vision loss. It also introduces and describes the network of vision rehabilitation services and professionals who are available to offer more specialized training. In addition, the large-print book is easy to read, with balanced spacing, color, and contrast among text; bulleted lists; and colored illustrations and text boxes. It is written in a straightforward tone in layman's language, which is appropriate for readers who are new to vision loss. Although much of the information represented in the book can be accessed on vision loss-related websites (such as VisionAware.org) and from professional vision rehabilitation textbooks written by seasoned educators and practitioners, which validates the authenticity of the book's content, the option to have this information compiled in a comprehensive resource is invaluable, since it allows for easier access to the information. Subsequently, the book can also serve as a resource for new and existing vision rehabilitation professionals as a complement to the professional texts that are used in training programs for vision rehabilitation. In fact, any person who is connected to an individual who has vision loss should buy and read this book. CLEAR, CONCISE, AND WELL ORGANIZED The information in the book is well organized and presented in a clear and concise manner. It informs readers that it is possible to live independently with vision loss and provides general principles on how to make the home environment more comfortable and functional. It offers tips, solutions, and adaptations on how to modify every area of the home room by room to achieve safety and independence, while also promoting safe movement and addressing additional health complications that often occur simultaneously with vision loss. The information provided is extremely coherent and consistent--each chapter is organized in a like manner, which allows for more fluid reading. The book opens with an overview of the impact of vision loss in adulthood. It provides current statistics on vision loss among the various adult age groups (that is, those aged 18 years and older), and describes normal changes in vision and the major eye disorders that affect adults and older adults. …