Hi I don't have any ideas I'm afraid but I am struggling with the same issues.
My mother is constantly frightened as she does not know anyone in the care home she is in and can't form a bond. trying to persuade the care staff that they need to introduce themselves every time they speak to her is nay on impossible. as she does not wear glases and doesn't have a stick they just don't get their head round it. My mum spends most of her time walking round the care home looking for her family as she feels safe with them. Mum now wants physical contact all the time and has even started demanding someone sleep in the same bed as her as is is " as can't expect her to be on her own all night" and "it is too lonely to be in bed on her own". I've tried a teddy bear but she says she wants a real person. My dad died 15 years ago.
I did try knitting as my mum use to be able to knit whilst watching the TV but that only worked for a bit.
This made me cry! She must be so frightened and she needs a key worker looking after her. How can they be so thoughtless in her Home. All the behaviour you are describing shows how frightened she is. I suggest you write a letter to the Manager explaining how frightening this is for your mum and that the home isn't meeting her needs and they need to resolve it. Then put a notice on your Mum's door saying. "When you enter the room please introduce yourself before going any further. Make sure that my Mother knows who you are and please speak to her. Make sure she knows how you are going to help her before you start and when you have finished before you leave please make sure you tell her"
This info is on the RNIB website
Where can I find a care home for blind and partially sighted people?
All care homes across the country should welcome blind and partially sighted residents, and they should be accessible to older people no matter what disabilities they may have. We can offer advice and information about finding a care home if you call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email
helpline@rnib.org.uk. You can also find out more information on moving to a care home from Age UK.
The website is
https://help.rnib.org.uk/help/daily-living/homes-housing/care-home
However, if you are interested in moving to a more specialist care home, permanent and short-stay accommodation is available for older people with sight loss at RNIB’s three residential homes. These are:
Kathleen Chambers House in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset
Wavertree House in Hove (near Brighton), Sussex
Tate House in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
I don't know if this is helpful but she really really needs a key carer who she can trust and who understands her needs.
I don't know if any of this helps xx