Low Vision: Helping a Loved One

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Helping a Loved One

Here are some strategies that can help you communicate more effectively and deal with difficult situations involving strong emotions and conflict:

Listen to what the other person is saying as well as the feelings behind the words. This type of listening is hard when you may not want to hear "anger" or "frustration," when you are feeling "attacked" or "criticized," or when you disagree with the other person. At these times, it's helpful to let the person finish what he or she has to say before responding.
Express your feelings or point of view with the use of the word "I." For example, "I feel upset about" or "I see it differently" rather than "You are being unfair" or "You are wrong."
After each person has a chance to share his or her feelings and point of view using "I" statements, ask each other: "Are there areas of common ground?" Sometimes, you may have to agree to disagree and come back to the issue at a later time.

Please refer to the following resources for more tips on communicating effectively with your loved one:

Adapted from the Lighthouse International's Program for Partners of People with Impaired Vision.

OTHER RELATED RESOURCES

Please refer to the following resource for more tips on communicating effectively with your loved one: