Fading of the light - living with diabetes : related problems, particulary progressive loss of sight

Abstract

This is an intrinsic single-case exploratory qualitative study. It aimed to discover what life is like for a 73-year-old retired male teacher, suffering from diabetes and diabetes-related loss of vision to live in a residential home for the elderly. It is an exploratory study seeking to understand how he had adjusted to the challenges of his disabilities in a restrictive environment. Participant observation and informal conversations were used in the collection of data. Analysis identified recurring themes and the narrative was structured around the participant's daily routine. The on-set of visual impairment led to a marked diminution in his quality of life and deprived him of some of his most pleasurable activities - reading, book-collecting, drawing and watching TV. The conclusion was that despite severe physical disabilities and limited contact with the 'outside world', the participant remained mentally active, emotionally resilient and retained an affirmative attitude to life.