Summer Safety for Seniors with Allergies
Spending time outdoors can be a great way to shake off the last of the winter blues and soak up the sun, but as the weather gets nicer, allergy season often gets worse. Dealing with seasonal allergies is no picnic, and it can be especially difficult for seniors who often have underlying health conditions that can be exacerbated by allergy symptoms. Unfortunately, traditional antihistamines can interact with other medications seniors may be taking, and can increase risk of drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, and more.
Instead of relying on allergy medication, there are other ways that seniors can reduce exposure and keep pollen at bay:
Pay attention to the weather. It’s tempting to want to go outside and enjoy the sunshine and warmth, but be alert to when pollen counts are the highest. If allergens are off the chart, it may be best to limit outdoor time and stay inside until things clear up.
Cover up. When you go outside, throw on a wide-brimmed hat and some sunglasses. This will not only protect you from the sun, it will help to keep allergens away from your face. Try to avoid rubbing your eyes as well.
Clean up after being outside. Once you come inside, leave your shoes, jacket, and hat at the door so you are not tracking pollen around the house. Consider changing your outfit all together and throwing clothes directly into the laundry. Don’t forget to wash your hands and lower arms as well to get rid of any allergens that may have come in on your skin.
Keep windows closed. Though it can be tough to keep the house closed up when the weather is nice, by not opening the windows, you’re keeping a lot of pollen and allergens outside rather than inviting them in with the breeze. Use the air conditioning on especially high pollen days instead, and get an air filter that is made to reduce allergens. You may also want to set up an air purifier as an extra layer of protection.
Tidy up. There’s no way to completely rid your house of common allergens, but by staying on top of cleaning, you can keep them from collecting. Regularly dust and vacuum to help remove potential irritants, and wipe down countertops, doorknobs, and other places they may settle.
An in-home caregiver can help you get the hard-to-reach places and keep you company while spending time indoors. They can also work with you on meal prep, organization, medication reminders, and more to help you stay healthy and safe. Contact Always Best Care today at (855) 470-2273 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the benefits of in-home care.
