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GENERAL TIPS FOR SIGHTED CARERS

1. Don't move so far away from the visually impaired person that you lose "touching" body contact.
2. Never pull or push the person. Remember you are guiding him or her.
3. When speaking to a visually impaired person there is no need to shout. Do not avoid the use of sighted language and do not speak through a third person.
4. If you have to leave a visually impaired person alone ensure he or she can touch a wall, counter, chair etc. This helps to establish surroundings.
5. When you leave a blind person, say so. Would you like to be seen talking to yourself?
6. You may need to adapt some guiding techniques according to the age and disability of the visually impaired person.
7. If offering assistance to a visually impaired person who may be using a white cane or guide dog, approach him or her on the opposite side.
8. Marking everyday equipment such as cookers and microwaves with hi-mark or other tactile methods encourages independence. Advice is available from the East Suffolk Association for the Blind on 01473 611011.
9. To avoid problems with unauthorised callers, encourage a visually impaired person to take advantage of the use of passwords.  Passwords can be arranged through a phone call to the Customer Services of Gas, Electricity and Water Companies, Local Authority or others who do not regularly visit his or her home.
10. Many leaflets on everyday living issues such as Kitchen Sense, Gardening, how to Guide a Blind Person and Meeting Blind People are available from the RNIB. Contact RNIB at Peterborough local call rate on 08457 023153 to order.