How to Feed a Visually Impaired Person

Contrary to what some may believe, people suffering from vision impairment or full blindness can do many things for themselves. In fact, for many blind people, the most challenging part is not the blindness itself, but the misconceptions they face in society. However, there are still certain needs which others can meet. This includes help eating, bathing and being mobile, especially if they are hospital patients or are otherwise incapacitated.

Things You'll Need

• Regular supply of food
• Trash bags
• CPR training

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Restock foods that the visually impaired person eats on a regular basis. This will make life easier for the person if he or she can get to the kitchen or pantry without aid. Keep the foods in an easily accessible location.

• 2

  Leave some room at the top of cups when serving drinks to a blind person.

  Don't fill cups and mugs completely when serving drinks to a blind person. Leave room at the top to avoid spills, especially with hot drinks. If necessary, help the person find the rim of the cup at first. Use non-spill containers.

• 3

  Orient items toward the blind person's perspective. Hand utensils to the person with the handle facing away from you. Describe the contents of the plates and orientation of the food.

• 4

  Moderate temperatures of food and drink. If a dish or liquid is particularly hot or cold, warn the visually impaired person before serving. Offer help with the meal, rather than offering specifically to cut the person's food.

• 5

  Take out trash on a regular basis, and check for food dropped by the visually impaired person. Be prepared for clean-up if there is a spill.