Barbara and Coleman

In Home Support Services has been the crux of our programming here at Northeast Sight Services for decades. Some of the simplest tasks are literally the most important ones to ensuring individuals remain living independently in their homes. Imagine (it’s easy if you close your eyes) having your mail delivered but having no idea who its from or what it says.

After suffering a stroke and complications from diabetes, Barbara started losing her vision. Coleman, shortly thereafter, was found to have severe glaucoma. Their mutual sight loss eventually became too much, so they packed up and moved from Florida to be closer to their daughter here in Northeastern PA.

After their daughter reached out, we set up a visit in their home for an initial assessment in order to evaluate their individual needs, skills and obstacles. After that, we worked together to develop a personalized service plan based on Coleman and Barbara’s need. They starting utilizing the In Home Support Services offered by Northeast Sight Services just over a year ago.

Woman with her hair in a high bun dressed all in black sitting on the floor reading a piece of white mail in front of the chair of an older woman with short brown hair, black dress pants and a black and white long sleeve top.
Mary, our social services coordinator, reading mail while Barbara Listens

In Home Support services are designed to assist clients with personal business that can also include other minor tasks such as assistance with balancing checkbooks, handling correspondence, filing applications for benefits and other essential tasks.

“They are just great people,” said Mary, our Social Services Coordinator. “I see them typically weekly to read their mail, pay bills, help with iPad needs, make phone calls and organize when needed.”

“Your organization is so nice to work with,” Coleman said. “You’ve helped do so much for us, far beyond the call of duty. We really praise everything you’ve done it has so fortunately helped us – and I’m sure so many others.”

Barbara and Coleman were also each referred for an appointment with our Low Vision Specialist, Dr. Anthony Silvetti. Dr. Silvetti spent about two hours with each of them to discover what usable vision they have left and what items are available to benefit them best.

Barbara and COleman sitting in their living room

From that appointment, they were able to try a variety of adaptive aides and magnifiers in our Vision Resource Center aimed at helping  them navigate the
day-to-day challenges posed by their eye conditions.

Northeast Sight Services’ Vision Resource Center was able to provide both the Pleckers with items designed to help enrich their lives and support them in performing daily activities- products like liquid level indicators, handheld magnifiers, bump dots, monoculars, CCTVS and more.

If you or someone you know might benefit from any of the services Northeast Sight Services offers, please reach out today!! You can call 570-693-3555 x224 or email info@northeastsight.org!

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