Changes in immunological function can increase susceptibility to allergies in the older years, which means that seniors might find themselves trying to learn how to manage allergies while also dealing with all the other changes that come with age. While this might not seem like a big deal, allergies in seniors could be potentially dangerous since they can aggravate pre-existing medical issues and lower the general quality of life.
When it comes to controlling allergies, home care can assist seniors in understanding allergies and teach them the importance of indoor air quality.
Recognizing Senior Allergies
Allergies arise from an immune system reaction to normally harmless items like dust mites, pollen, pet dander, or specific foods. The symptoms might be minor or severe, including skin rashes, itchy eyes, coughing, wheezing, and stomach problems. Allergies can strike at any age, but as people age, their immune and respiratory systems might alter, posing unique issues for older adults.
As mentioned, pre-existing medical disorders might make allergic reactions more difficult to manage and aggravate respiratory symptoms. Additionally, medications frequently recommended to seniors, including ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers, may worsen allergic symptoms or interact with allergens.
Home care providers can recognize these signs and issues while performing routine care and home tasks.
Indoor Air Quality Is Critical for Seniors
Because seniors spend much of their time indoors, indoor air quality significantly impacts their health and well-being. Dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, pollen, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from home items are just a few of the allergens that can be found in indoor air.
In addition to causing allergic reactions, poor indoor air quality can aggravate respiratory disorders and exacerbate other health problems like heart disease and cognitive decline.
Techniques to Help Seniors’ Indoor Air Quality
Loved ones and home care providers can work together to help increase indoor air quality, which reduces the amount of allergens in the air and, therefore, the risk of seniors struggling with allergies. Some of the techniques they might use include the following:
- Regular Ventilation: Reducing indoor air pollution requires proper ventilation. Opening windows and doors can help bring fresh outdoor air inside when the weather permits. Additionally, exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms can eliminate excess moisture and smells, halting the spread of mildew and enhancing air circulation.
- Air Purification: Dust, pollen, and pet dander are just a few of the airborne allergens that can be successfully eliminated by purchasing premium air purifiers with HEPA filters. Seniors can breathe healthier air by placing air purifiers in rooms they use frequently, like living rooms and bedrooms.
- Controlling Humidity: Along with ensuring proper ventilation to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, controlling humidity helps as well. Ideal indoor humidity levels should be between 30 and 50 percent. Seniors and home care services can use dehumidifiers to lower moisture levels in moist locations like bathrooms or basements. In addition, especially in dry locations, they should think about utilizing humidifiers or air conditioners to control indoor humidity.
- Allergen Control: Senior allergy management requires the implementation of strategies to reduce allergen exposure. To get rid of dust and pet dander, home care can assist seniors by vacuuming carpets, rugs, and upholstery on a regular basis. At the same time, eliminating dust mites requires washing curtains and bedding in hot water. Loved ones might also consider purchasing pillowcases and bedding that is allergen-proof for seniors.
Allergies can significantly negatively impact seniors’ health and well-being, but having home care services on their side to take proactive measures to improve indoor air quality can help reduce allergy reactions and enhance general comfort and quality of life.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Denver, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Denver, CO, today. Call (303) 647-1800
At Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Denver, CO, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Denver, Englewood, Lakewood, Aurora, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Centennial, Lone Tree, Castle Pines, Castle Rock and surrounding areas in Colorado.
Sources:
- https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/improving-your-indoor-environment
- https://www.allcarehealthsolutions.com/a-guide-to-improving-indoor-air-quality-for-seniors/
- https://www.elderlycaregivers.org/10-ways-to-improve-indoor-air-quality-for-seniors/
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