Conditions

Care at home for sight loss

Practical help and company for someone losing their sight: reading the post, getting out, managing medicines, and a home that stays where they left it.

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Sight loss in later life

Common causes include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts (NHS). RNIB has advice and support for people with sight loss and their families.

Registering as sight impaired

If an ophthalmologist says someone is sight impaired (partially sighted) or severely sight impaired (blind), they can register with their local council. This can help them get low vision support and services, and means they can apply for benefits.

Seeing things that aren't there

Some people who have lost a lot of their sight see things that are not real. This is called Charles Bonnet syndrome. It is not caused by a mental health problem or dementia, and knowing that can be a great relief.

What a carer does

Reads the post and bills, and helps deal with them
Helps with medicines when the labels can't be read
Never moves things without saying, so the home stays familiar
Guides on walks, shopping and appointments
Describes the world: who is there, what has changed, what is on the plate
Helps with cooking and housework safely
Company, conversation and keeping up hobbies

At home

Good, even lighting, with extra light where tasks are done
Strong colour contrast, for example on step edges and light switches
Clear walkways, as sight loss raises the risk of falls
A place for everything, kept the same

Care and clinical care

Carers give personal and practical care. Clinical tasks, such as injections, wound care or changing a catheter, come from the NHS team unless a carer has been trained for that specific task and it has been agreed with the team. Tell us about all care needs up front so we only introduce carers who can help safely.

Which care fits

Hourly visits a few times a week suit many people, often for the post, shopping and appointments. Companionship care helps with loneliness, and live-in care suits someone who needs help through the day.

Help paying for care

Personal Independence Payment: for people aged 16 or over with difficulty with everyday tasks or getting around, usually under State Pension age for a new claim, and not affected by income or savings (Adult Disability Payment in Scotland)
Attendance Allowance: for people over State Pension age who need help, not means-tested
Council funding: after a free needs assessment and a means test
Direct payments: council money you can use to arrange your own care
NHS Continuing Healthcare: when needs are mainly health needs

Rates and rules checked against GOV.UK and the NHS in October 2026. Benefit rates usually change each April.

Tell us about them
The diagnosis, how they are now, routines, and what matters to them.
See matched profiles
Profiles say what experience each carer has, so you can choose with care.
Speak first
Talk to carers by phone or video call before you agree to anything.
Care starts
You and your carer agree the routine, and change it as needs change.

How carers are checked

Before LCH Care introduces a carer, we check their identity, right to work in the UK, Enhanced DBS, two references, work history, and relevant training or qualifications. Carers also hold their own public liability insurance. You then speak to the carer by phone or video call before you agree to anything.

Other conditions

Questions

Can a carer help with the post and bills?

Yes. Reading the post, and helping to deal with it, is one of the most useful things a carer does for someone with sight loss.

What is Charles Bonnet syndrome?

Seeing things that are not real after losing a lot of sight. It is not caused by a mental health problem or dementia.

Should my relative register as sight impaired?

Registering, after an ophthalmologist's assessment, can help them get low vision support and services, and means they can apply for benefits.