WBRC Outreach: Palo Alto VIST Meeting

Photo: Stock photograph of a Matter of Balance group discussion

Last Month WBRC was honored to be invited to present to the Palo Alto Visual Impairment Services Team Coordinator's monthly meeting at the Palo Alto Hospital Campus.  Mrs. Summer Beasley, MA COMS, WBRC Blind Rehabilitation Specialist and Matter of Balance Coach, presented to the group, consisting of the VIST Coordinator and Veterans with vision loss and their families and caregivers.  The WBRC's new Matter of Balance program was reviewed and the group participated in some of the Matter of Balance exercises.


In 2015 the WBRC piloted a new fall prevention program called Matter of Balance.  Matter of Balance is a nationwide, evidence based, fall prevention program for older adults.  It addresses the fear of falling, fall prevention measures, and simple exercises to promote health and balance.


The program was developed through research by the Roybal Center for Enhancement of Late-Life Function at Boston University.  Matter of Balance is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falls.


The WBRC's program is the first in the VA and the first Blind Rehabilitation Center to adopt this program.  It is also the only Matter of Balance program that is offered as inpatient treatment for Veterans with visual impairment.  The program runs for 4 weeks and is group based with up to six Veterans and up to three Matter of Balance Coaches.


Some Program Information:

• Matter of Balance group discussion classes take place twice per week.
• Veterans have the opportunity for one-on-one assessment and training options in additional skill areas such as Orientation and Mobility, Living Skills, and Visual Skills.
• Matter of Balance daily group exercise sessions start in week two.
• Additional group educational sessions occur on My HealtheVet and devices such as use of a reacher, etc.
• Matter of Balance group community outings provide the opportunity to apply newly learned skills.
• Veterans may also participate in regularly scheduled WBRC Recreation Therapy activities, as well as Student Forum and Relaxation Group.
• Access to Skills Nursing Care 24 hours per day.

Interested Veterans with vision loss apply to the program by talking to their Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinator about being referred to this WBRC specialty program, or can contact the WBRC at (650) 614-9952 to learn about Matter of Balance or future session dates.


If you would like to see if there is a local Matter of Balance session meeting near you, use this link to look up Master Trainers by state: http://www.mainhealth.org/mh_body.cfm?id=5159


If you are aware of an event which would be a good opportunity for WBRC outreach or would like WBRC to come and speak to your group, please contact Lindsay Hass, WBRC Blind Rehabilitation Specialist and Communication Committee Co-Chair at Lindsay.hass@va.gov or call the main WBRC line at (650) 614-9952 to make a request.

WBRC Outreach: San Francisco VA VIST Team Meeting

Image: Matter of Balance Logo

On June 13th WBRC was honored to be invited to present to the Visual Impairment Services Team monthly meeting at the San Francisco VA Hospital Campus.  Mrs. Summer Beasley, MA COMS, WBRC Blind Rehabilitation Specialist presented to the group, consisting of the VIST Coordinator, Blind Rehabilitation staff members, a Veteran representative, as well several service Chiefs including Optometry, Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics, and Rehabilitative Nursing about the WBRC's Matter of Balance Program.

In 2015 the WBRC piloted a new fall prevention program called Matter of  Balance.  Matter of Balance is a nationwide, evidence based fall prevention program for older adults.  It addresses the fear of falling, fall prevention measures, and simple exercises to promote health and balance.

The program was developed through research by the Roybal Center for Enhancement of Late-Life Function at Boston University.  Matter of Balance is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falls.

The WBRC is the first VA and first Blind Rehabilitation Center to adopt this program.  It is also the only Matter of Balance program that is offered as inpatient treatment for Veterans with visual impairment.  The program runs for four weeks and is group based with up to six Veterans and up to three Matter of Balance Coaches.

Some information about the program:

• Matter of Balance group classes take place twice a week.
• Veterans have the opportunity for one-on-one assessment and training options in additional skill areas such as Orientation & Mobility, Living Skills, and Visual Skills.
• Matter of Balance daily group exercise sessions starting in week two.
• Additional group educational sessions on MyHealtheVet and devices such as use of a grabber/reacher (as many falls involve reaching for objects).
• Matter of Balance group Community Outings provide the opportunity to apply newly learned skills. 
• Veterans may also participate in regularly scheduled WBRC Recreation Therapy activities, as well as the Student Forum and the Relaxation Group.
• Access to skilled nursing care 24 hours per day.

Interested Veterans with Vision Loss apply to the program by talking to their Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinator about being referred to this specialty program, or can contact the WBRC at (650) 614-9952 to learn about Matter of Balance or future session dates.

If you would like to see if there is a local Matter of Balance session meeting near you, use this link to look up Master Trainers by state: http://www.mainehealth.org/mh_body.cfm?id=5195

If you are aware of an event which would be a good opportunity for WBRC Outreach or would like WBRC to come speak to your group, please contact Lindsay Hass, WBRC Blind Rehabilitation Specialist and WBRC Communications Committee Co-Chair at Lindsay.hass@va.gov or call the main WBRC line at (650) 614-9952 to make a request.

 

February is Low Vision Awareness Month

Photo: A WBRC Veteran learns to use a CCTV to read printed material. 

Here's eye-opening news: Currently, 4.2 million Americans ages 40 and older are visually impaired. Of these, 3 million have low vision. By 2030, when the last baby boomers turn 65, the number of Americans who have visual impairments is projected to reach 7.2 million, with 5 million having low vision.

For the millions of people who currently live or will live with low vision, the good news is there is help. Vision rehabilitation can make a big difference to a person adjusting to vision loss and should be considered a key part of a patient’s overall care.

Vision rehabilitation can include the following:

• Training to use magnifying and adaptive devices
• Teaching new daily living skills to remain safe and live independently
• Developing strategies to navigate around the home and in public
• Providing resources and support

But, what is low vision? Low vision is when even with regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, people have difficulty seeing, which makes everyday tasks difficult to do. Activities that used to be simple like reading the mail, shopping, cooking, and writing can become challenging.

Most people with low vision are age 65 or older. The leading causes of vision loss in older adults are age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and glaucoma. Among younger people, vision loss is most often caused by inherited eye conditions, infectious and autoimmune eye diseases, or trauma.

For people with low vision, maximizing their remaining sight is key to helping them continue to live safe, productive, and rewarding lives.

The first step is to seek help.

For Veterans and Active Duty Service Members with vision loss there are a wide range of resources available through the VA Health Care System. The first step is contacting one of the VA’s VIST Coordinators.

The Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinators are case managers who have responsibility for the coordination of services for visually impaired Veterans and active duty Service Members.  VIST coordinator duties include providing and/or arranging the provision of appropriate treatment in order to enhance functioning such as making referrals to Blind Rehabilitation Centers, Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Services, VICTORS, VISOR, and low vision clinics.  Other VIST coordinator duties include identifying newly identified individuals who have severely disabling visual impairment, providing counseling, problem resolution, arranging a review of benefits and needed services, and conducting educational and outreach programs relating to VIST and blindness.

Veterans and eligible active duty Service Members should contact the VIST Coordinator in the VA facility nearest their home or by contacting the Blind Rehabilitation Service Program office at 202-461-7317. 

The VAPAHCS VIST Website is also an excellent resource and can be viewed by CLICKING HERE.

Healthy Vision Month: Eyes on Health

Photo: A pair of eye glasses resting on an eye chart

By: Shanida Ingalla, O.D., WBRC Optometrist

May is Healthy Vision Month.  People who have already experienced vision loss due to eye disease often ask me “Do I still need to get an annual eye exam?”  In a word, Yes!

A nationwide survey commissioned by Lighthouse International showed that only a small minority of those most at risk get the yearly eye exams that could detect a vision problem and prevent, delay or even reverse its progression. Fully 86 percent of those who already have an eye disease do not get routine exams, the telephone survey of 1,004 adults revealed.

Even after being diagnosed, it is still important to monitor your eye health for changes.  It is also equally vital to continue to be screened for other potential eye diseases.  An annual eye exam is your opportunity to learn from your eye doctor if there have been any recent advances in treatments or rehabilitation that may benefit you.

It is often said that the eyes are the window to the soul.  Certainly the eyes are a window to the body, and a proper eye exam can often alert your doctor to a serious underlying disease like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and multiple sclerosis.

So if it has been a while since your last eye exam, please call your eye doctor and schedule one today!

CLICK HERE to learn more about the WBRC

CLICK HERE to learn more about VIST Services

CLICK HERE to learn more about Healthy Vision Month
 

 

WBRC Website Launches Update

Photo: A screen shot of the updated WBRC Website

The Western Blind Rehabilitation Center (WBRC) is proud to announce the launch of our new and improved website.  The new WBRC site includes updated information regarding the program and services provided, the setting, admissions, scheduling a visit, 2012 outcome measures, and research.  There are fresh photographs and links to the WBRC Blog, newsletter, and construction updates. WBRC hopes this site will serve as a gateway to care as well as a resource for Veterans, their family members and friends, medical and care providers, and other stake-holders. 

Please CLICK HERE to view the new WBRC Website

July VIST Group Meeting Announced for Palo Alto

Image: VIST Logo

Veterans, Family Members, and Caregivers:

The Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) is pleased to announce the date for the July support group meeting for low vision, blind, and visually impaired veterans.  The group will be held at the Palo Alto VAPAHCS Hospital, Bldg. 7 Trailer C from 10:00-11:00am.

The next Palo Alto VIST group meeting will be held on: 

Thursday July 18^th

The group is both informational and supportive in nature and all are welcome to attend. Each month will be a different presentation to support the community of veterans with sight-loss. Family members and Caregivers are also encouraged to come.

Question Contacts are:  

Patrick Finan, MSW

Coordinator, Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST)

VA Palo Alto HCS

(650) 852-3467

patrick.finan@va.gov

Elizabeth Jessen,

Poly Trauma VIST Coordinator/Health Science Specialist

VA Palo Alto HCS

(650) 493-5000 ext. 63431

elizabeth.jessen@va.gov

The remaining 2013 VIST Support Group Meeting dates are as follows (3^rd Thursday of every month):

July 18

August 15

September 19

October 17

November 21

December 19

CLICK HERE to learn more about VIST Services

June VIST Group Meeting Announced for Palo Alto

Image: VIST Logo

Veterans, Family Members, and Caregivers:

The Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) is pleased to announce the date for the June support group meeting for low vision, blind, and visually impaired veterans.  The group will be held at the Palo Alto VAPAHCS Hospital, Bldg. 7 Trailer C from 10:00-11:00am.

The next Palo Alto VIST group meeting will be held on: 

Thursday June 20^th  

The group is both informational and supportive in nature and all are welcome to attend. Each month will be a different presentation to support the community of veterans with sight-loss. Family members and Caregivers are also encouraged to come.

Question Contacts are:  

Patrick Finan, MSW

Coordinator, Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST)

VA Palo Alto HCS

(650) 852-3467

patrick.finan@va.gov

Elizabeth Jessen,

Poly Trauma VIST Coordinator/Health Science Specialist

VA Palo Alto HCS

(650) 493-5000 ext. 63431

elizabeth.jessen@va.gov

The remaining 2013 VIST Support Group Meeting dates are as follows (3^rd Thursday of every month):

June 20

July 18

August 15

September 19

October 17

November 21

December 19

CLICK HERE to learn more about VIST Services

May VIST Group Meeting Announced for Palo Alto

Image: VIST Logo

Veterans, Family Members, and Caregivers:

The Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) is pleased to announce the date for the May support group meeting for low vision, blind, and visually impaired veterans.  The group will be held at the Palo Alto VAPAHCS Hospital, Bldg. 7 Trailer C from 10:00-11:00am.

The next Palo Alto VIST group meeting will be held on: 

Thursday May 16^th  

The group is both informational and supportive in nature and all are welcome to attend. Each month will be a different presentation to support the community of veterans with sight-loss. Family members and Caregivers are also encouraged to come.

Question Contacts are:  

Patrick Finan, MSW

Coordinator, Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST)

VA Palo Alto HCS

(650) 852-3467

patrick.finan@va.gov

Elizabeth Jessen,

Poly Trauma VIST Coordinator/Health Science Specialist

VA Palo Alto HCS

(650) 493-5000 ext. 63431

elizabeth.jessen@va.gov

The remaining 2013 VIST Support Group Meeting dates are as follows (3^rd Thursday of every month):

May 16

June 20

July 18

August 15

September 19

October 17

November 21

December 19

CLICK HERE to learn more about VIST Services