The ability to handle one’s own financial affairs is critical to adult independence. Low vision challenges this freedom.
Fortunately, most banks are prepared to assist clients, whether banking online or in person. Online, your loved one can adjust the bank’s website for large print. Plus, many banks provide instructions on how to use a screen reader. Banks can also issue large-print checks and monthly statements in large print, braille, or audio versions. Some banks now have audio-accessible ATMs (and braille keyboards). By inserting a headphone jack, the ATM switches to audio mode. Consider a check template (like a stencil) for your relative, indicating where to write the date, payee, dollar amount, and signature.
To support your relative in storing and spending cash, look for a “low-vision wallet” with multiple compartments that facilitate storage by denomination. Folding bills will help your relative quickly identify what’s in their wallet. Keep ones flat. Fold fives in half to make something of a square. Fold tens in half lengthwise to make a skinny rectangle. Fold twenties twice to make a rectangle one-fourth the size of a normal bill.
To identify American bills, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing—the division in charge of printing money—created a free app, “EyeNote®” It scans bills and speaks the dollar value. Or when set in privacy mode, it pulses the value with vibrations or beeps. (One dollar is one pulse, two dollars is two pulses, five is three, ten is four, twenty is five ….)
When receiving money at the bank, have your loved one ask for bills all in one denomination, such as all tens. Or ask the teller to count them out in denominations (all the twenties together, all the tens together, all the fives …). This helps for storing and then folding appropriately when at home.
Are you concerned about a loved one with low vision?
As the Roanoke and Lynchburg experts in family caregiving, we at Gentle Shepherd Hospice understand how important it is for visually impaired adults to maintain control of their money. There are support services, apps, and devices to help. Give us a call at 1-800-789-0586 (toll-free). You don’t have to do this alone.
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