Perceived Overprotection, Instrumental Support and Rehabilitation Use in Elders with Vision Loss: a Longitudinal Perspective

Objectives: This study's purpose was to investigate changes in perceived overprotection - a problematic aspect of close relationships - over time in relationship to instrumental support receipt and vision rehabilitation service use in a sample of older adults with vision impairment.

Methods: Participants were 584 older adults with chronic vision impairment who were interviewed three times over a 12-month period. Longitudinal data were analysed using a latent growth curve methodology to examine change over time in perceived overprotection and instrumental support in relation to vision rehabilitation service use.

Main Outcome Measures: Self-reported levels of overprotection and receipt of instrumental support. Results. Over time perceived overprotection increased but not instrumental support. While perceived overprotection was positively associated with instrumental support initially, over time this relationship did not emerge. Perceived overprotection and instrumental support functioned as predictors of vision rehabilitation hours. However, over time vision rehabilitation service use did not influence these social supports.

Conclusions: Perceived overprotection increases over time, yet this change is unaffected by rehabilitation service use and instrumental support. Both family members and elders need to be involved in the vision rehabilitation process and educated about how some level of independence can be regained.