How small accessibility changes, powered by smart technology, can transform life, dignity, and community in care homes.

For many people, assisted living and care homes are more than just a place to stay, they’re communities where residents build friendships, enjoy hobbies, and create a sense of home. But when those environments aren’t developed with accessibility in mind, everyday life can become frustrating for residents, stressful for families, and unnecessarily demanding for staff, sometimes even chipping away at residents’ sense of dignity.

As one resident shared:

“There are an awful lot of things that I cannot do. I do try, I go down to the craft and I have a go but that I find very frustrating because I was so good at anything with my hands and now I can only feel and I don’t know if I’ve done it right, you know, but I do have a go.”

When accessibility is baked into the operation of a care or assisted living home, it can make the entire community run more smoothly,  boosting resident independence, improving resident and family engagement and satisfaction levels, preserving dignity, improving staff efficiency, lowering costs, and creating a calmer, happier atmosphere. Often, it’s the small touches that make the biggest difference.

The Everyday Barriers in Care Settings

For many residents, seemingly small moments can become daily sources of frustration or dependence:

• Information bottlenecks. From menus and activity schedules to room signs, residents may need to ask staff for help just to know what’s for lunch or where an event is happening.
• Limited independence in handling documents. Printed materials like insurance forms, intake paperwork, or even letters from family often require someone else to read them aloud.
• Difficulty with personal routines. Choosing clothes, applying makeup, or setting a timer can become stressful without visual confirmation.
• Uncertainty in urgent situations. A flashing device or alarm can cause anxiety if residents can’t quickly identify the problem.

These challenges not only impact residents’ confidence and quality of life, but can also take staff away from other important duties such as administering medicines. 

How Smart Technology Changes the Game

With instant visual interpretation and support, blind or low vision residents can:

• Stay informed independently. Check the lunch menu, find the exercise room, or confirm what’s on the activity calendar without staff assistance.
• Take greater control of personal affairs. Read and review forms, letters, and printed documents aloud or in large print.
• Simplify daily routines. Use quick live calls to choose outfits, apply makeup, or set timers with confidence.
• Increase safety and peace of mind. Instantly identify alarms, blinking devices, or unfamiliar alerts.
• Enjoy richer leisure time. Get descriptions of artwork, have books and newspapers read aloud, and navigate TV controls with ease.

By removing small but persistent barriers, smart tech empowers residents to remain confident, self-reliant, and fully engaged in their community, while giving staff more time to focus on value-added care provision.

Bringing Be My Eyes to Care Homes

For many elderly blind and low-vision people, living in a care home means having daily support, but that doesn’t mean every task is covered. Sometimes, it’s the little moments that matter most: reading a letter from a loved one, checking the expiry date on food, or picking the right outfit for the day.

That’s where Be My Eyes can make a difference. Using our technology, residents can get instant assistance from nearby staff or carers to help with visual information, right from their smartphone or tablet. It’s like having a friendly extra pair of eyes on call, anytime.

If you know someone elderly in assisted living or a care home, whether they’re a family member, friend, or neighbor, do let them know about Be My Eyes. As a user yourself, you will know, it’s free (for the end user), and very easy to use. For an elderly person it can also bring more independence and connections in their everyday life.