9 ways for seniors to cope with allergies this spring
March 22, 2012
While spring is great for enjoying warm weather and watching flowers poke their heads out of the soil, it’s not such a grand old time for seniors who have issues with allergies. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can help your loved ones cope with their symptoms and avoid making the problem worse. Here are nine ways that you can ensure that this allergy season won’t be a big problem.
1. Get allergy tests. If you think that your loved one might be allergic to something in the environment, take him or her to the doctor to get an allergy scratch test. It’s a good idea to make a list of potential culprits, just in case the doctor doesn’t test for them.
2. Keep pollen and molds from entering the home as much as possible. Invest in an air conditioner and a dehumidifier to clean the air, and be sure to keep windows closed at night.
3. Once you’ve identified which allergens cause a reaction in your loved ones, take care to remove them from the home. This might include switching laundry detergents, finding a new home for a pet or doing a thorough cleaning to eliminate pollen and dust mites.
4. Switch out furniture, carpets and bedding. If you suspect that these plush items are to blame, it’s a good idea to switch them out for newer versions with hypoallergenic materials.
5. Invest in a medical alert watch. A medical alarm from Bay Alarm can ensure that if there’s ever an emergency in which your loved one can’t breathe due to allergies, he or she will have the help necessary at the push of a button.
6. Take care of personal hygiene. Ensure that your loves ones wear sunglasses or glasses when outside to prevent allergens from entering their eyes. Showering and washing their hair before bed can also remove any allergens that have collected there throughout the day.
7. Clean smarter. Get rid of toxic chemical cleaners with strong fumes in favor of greener options, and consider investing in a vacuum with the filtration necessary to remove allergens from multiple surfaces throughout your relative’s home.
8. Keep track of pollen conditions. Most areas have a local pollen count to help those with allergies determine whether going outside is worth the risk. Keep your loved ones at home on these days and shut the windows.
9. Use a clothes dryer when drying clothing. Line-drying items outside can cause pollen and other allergens to build up on the materials and eventually cause problems for your loved ones.
