Sensory Impairment team builds confidence and supports independence

She was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration in both eyes which means that she can see peripherally but has no central vision in her eyes.

She said: 

"Mine is a hereditary form of Macular Degeneration, but I'm the only one in my family with it, so it was really difficult when I got the diagnosis because I didn't know anybody else with it, so I didn't accept it.

"When I met people from charities and Lancashire County Council I just thought to myself 'why haven't I known all about this service' rather than spending 10 months crying?

"I started to change my mindset then."

Denise receives support from the County Council's Sensory Impairment team, who offer support services for individuals with sight and hearing loss. 

This includes long cane training, which Denise was initially reluctant to consider, but after a nasty fall in Preston city centre she sought support to use a cane.

She said:

"It's the best thing I ever did, without a doubt. Lots of people are reluctant to do long cane training, but I think it's better to carry a cane than have a fall.

"The Rehabilitation Officer Vision Impairment (ROVI) took me out for six weeks and taught me to master the stairs and escalators.

"You can't put a price on the service that the ROVI's and the charities give to visually impaired people. It's priceless.

"We are extremely lucky in Lancashire to have the Sensory Impairment team; they are one of the best in the country and they make a real difference every day of the week."

Pictured: Dave Taylor

Dave Taylor has also received support from the team. He was born with some sight but has been completely blind since a young age.

The support he's received includes route learning, long cane training and having labels with Braille on them added to appliances so he can cook independently.

Dave said: 

"The team are so important for people that are losing sight, because the quicker they get seen the better.

"If you're left sat at home, unable to go out because you haven't got any of the skills, then everything will deteriorate; your mental health and your physical health, because you can't get the exercise.

"Not only are they helping people, but they're keeping people active, they're keeping people walking and independent."

Councillor Graham Dalton, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: 

"The Sensory Impairment Team are changing lives every day by giving people the confidence and practical skills to stay independent, active and safe.

"Stories like Denise’s and Dave’s show just how valuable this service is, and I’m proud that we have one of the country’s best right here in Lancashire."