6 Ways Caregivers Reduce The Risks Of Wildfire Smoke For Brookfield Seniors

Smoke from Canadian wildfires presents serious air quality concerns for Wisconsin seniors and caregivers alike. In fact, an advisory from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reported Brookfield had “the worst air quality in the nation,” with an Air Quality Index rating of 323 (Casey, 2023).

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says an Air Quality Index of 101 to 150 can be unhealthy for seniors with existing health conditions; 151 to 200 is unhealthy for the general public; and 201 to 300 is “very unhealthy” for everyone. Anything over 300, as was the case in Brookfield last month, isn’t just “unhealthy”—it’s “hazardous.”

But if you’re working with our team, you can breathe easy. Our caregivers are trained to reduce the risks of air pollution for seniors in every setting, and we have already been implementing the EPA’s recommended safety measures for clients under our care.

That’s what today’s post is all about. Read on to learn 6 ways our caregivers have reduced the risks of wildfire smoke for seniors in Greater Milwaukee, or call (262)-439-8616 to speak directly with a caregiver coordinator near you.

6 Ways Caregivers Reduce The Risks Of Wildfire Smoke In Any Setting

Until the threat of wildfire smoke has passed, our caregivers will modify your current home care plan to comply with the EPA’s air quality safety protocols, including:

1. Staying indoors where possible—This doesn’t mean your loved ones have to miss out on social events or exercise. Our caregivers can recommend fun indoor activities, facilitate indoor exercise, be it at home or at a local gym, and move dinners or get-togethers inside.
2. Upgrading your air conditioner—As per the EPA’s recommendations, our caregivers can swap out your existing filter for a high-efficiency filter capable of capturing fine particles from smoke
3. Minimizing air pollution at home—The EPA recommends avoiding vacuuming, frying or broiling meat, and burning candles during the risk period, as these activities can all increase indoor air pollution. To minimize disruption to your loved one’s diet or routine, our caregivers can order takeout if they crave fried or broiled foods, and we can use flameless candles or other lighting alternatives to create the ambiance of candlelight without added air pollution.
4. Masking up for outdoor activity—If you plan to spend time outside, the EPA recommends wearing an N95 mask, which can filter fine particles less than 0.3 micrometers wide. If you need a mask, or you want to make sure your loved ones bring theirs along for every outing, our caregivers can help with pick-ups and reminders.
5. Minimizing strenuous activities—Heavy breathing increases the risks of poor air quality, so leave the lawn mowing, vigorous cleaning, and home maintenance to us!
6. Improving air quality on the road—While driving, the EPA recommends closing windows and vents and running the air conditioner in recirculate mode instead, so our caregivers have added these steps to our list of precautions when providing safe transportation solutions.

Get Help At Home: Find Seniors Caregivers In Brookfield, WI

The health risks of wildfire smoke won’t last forever, but our caregivers are always here to help.

Since 1996, Always Best Care has been committed to improving seniors’ safety, comfort, and quality of life with easy access to a complete continuum of personalized care services, including:

• In-home care
• Companionship care
• Home safety assessments
• Senior living referral services
• Special care services
• Veterans Assistance programs
• Dementia care
• Fall prevention
• Respite care services, and more

Today, we’re proud to bring these same care resources to families throughout Greater Milwaukee, including the communities of New Berlin, Butler, Elm Grove, and beyond.

Our caregivers are highly trained, thoroughly vetted, and carefully matched with clients to ensure clear communication, maximum comfort, and great chemistry; our services are available anytime and anywhere; and every care plan is tailored to the client, so you only pay for what’s required and no care needs go unmet.

To learn more about how we’re helping seniors stay safe this summer, and how we can make a difference in your loved one’s life, you can:

• Call (262)-439-8616
• Email [email protected]
• Fill out our on-site contact form

References

Casey, E. (2023, June 27). Wisconsin under another air quality advisory from Canadian wildfire smoke. Wisconsin Public Radio.

Urban, P. (2023, June 16). Wildfire smoke poses danger to older adults, others. American Association of Retired Persons.