Services available for people with AMD ??

[Bfree]

My mother at age 68 is now practically blind due to this awful life debilitating AMD .

She has stated she feels lonely and isolated as no longer feels safe enough to use the bus to town and feels a burden to her friends who do thankfully visit her and occasionally take her out . However as she has to hold onto the arm of people to get around she feels bad for her friends although they don’t mind . Sadly I live 4 hours away so can’t be there to help on a weekly basis . Can I get her a guide dog and if so how ? Are there any other services that could help ? She does attend a monthly macular society meeting but this isn’t enough .

I hate this disease I wish they would find a cure !!!

[Hidden]

Ask the macular society and the RNIB for what is available. Good luck and sending your mum a hug x

[marianS]

Dear Bfree

It sounds like this “debilitating AMD” is getting both you and your mother down. As a society we share your passion to find a cure, but sadly this is not yet imminent. You could speak with our research manager who is in close contact with what is going on in the Medical and research fields, and holds a database for enrolling potential volunteers.

Losing sight is like a bereavement but while life goes on, what she can do becomes more limited by visual impairment so I would encourage you to call the Macular Society Helpline (see below) to consider some options for practical and emotional support for your Mum, or even yourself as you support her.

We may be able to signpost your mother to Visual Impairment resources or groups in her area to extend her social outings beyond the monthly Macular Support group.

A guide dog may not be a realistic option for your mother, as this could prove difficult and costly to care for and support, and will need regular exercise. However, you could contact The Guide Dogs for the Blind on 0800 953 0113 to ask them.

Just to make you aware, we are currently offering free 6 month membership. This is a good way to keep up with current developments and you can join by following this link:

macularsociety.org/6monthst...

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any future help , either by email or ringing the Macular Society Helpline which is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Kind regards,

[Catseyes235]

Did your mother have any treatment for AMD as the injections have been around for nearly ten years? My brother developed the condition about 15 years ago and became blind but unfortunately doesn't look after himself and continued to smoke and have a bad diet so had mini strokes and then diabetes to contend with. He has had 3 guide dogs but last one removed as he was not walking it himself and second one developed a cough and emphysema due to his smoking.

So yes your mother could be a candidate for a guide dog. Guide dog association are fantastic and will come and assess her to see if possible, and if so provide all the quite intensive training for the person and won't let her out without being assured she can manage. Bit like a driving test! They and the dogs gave my brother great confidence and companionship but as I say he had to look after himself, take excercise, take the dog out himself and stop smoking (they said he would not get another dog if he continued smoking in the flat. And now he has no dog which is sad but they are working animals costing thousands to train). They provided veterinary care too and volunteers took the dogs for non- working excercise.

Depression also affected my brother -as someone said losing eyesight is like a bereavement- and I'm not convinced this is addressed thoroughly by RNIB and Macular Assoc. and others very well. They are great on advising gizmos! However anti-depressants helped greatly. I think there needs to be more help in opening up to others and in groups about this .

Good luck and hope things work out for your mother.

(Btw I and my other brother also have AMD in one eye but both successfully being treated)