How can a CNA support residents who are visually impaired?

• A. Announce yourself when entering, explain actions before touching, keep call light within reach, and describe surroundings.
• B. Avoid eye contact and move quickly.
• C. Ignore their requests.
• D. Keep them in dark rooms.

Answer: (A)

Helping a resident who is visually impaired stay safe and independent relies on clear, proactive communication and environmental orientation. Announcing yourself when you enter lets them know someone is present and prevents startle. Explaining what you plan to do before you touch them or their belongings prepares them for the next step, so they aren’t surprised and can participate if they wish. Keeping the call light within easy reach gives them a simple, reliable way to ask for help without feeling dependent. Describing the surroundings—where furniture is, doorways, and where the bed and bathroom are—helps them build a mental map of the space and move around more safely. These practices promote trust, reduce confusion, and support safer daily activities. Moving quickly, avoiding eye contact, ignoring requests, or keeping rooms dark undermines safety and independence, so they’re not appropriate strategies.