Senior Care Issues: Helping Your Parents Cope with Spring Allergies

Senior Care in Natick, MA

Spring is a wonderful time to shake off the winter chill and start enjoying a broader range of activities both indoor and out. For many seniors, however, spring may also be the time when the pollen takes over and seasonal allergies become a daily challenge. Though many people have the misconception that elderly adults do not suffer from allergies, seniors can be just as susceptible to the running eyes, itchy nose, and sneezing of seasonal allergies as young adults and children.

For seniors who face allergic reactions to pollen, the symptoms can pose additional challenges. Elderly adults already dealing with chronic conditions such as cardiopulmonary issues are at increased risk of serious complications when allergies strike, making it extremely important to find ways to deal with these symptoms as effectively as possible. It is important to realize that many of the treatments available for younger adults are not appropriate for older adults because of their side effects. Talk with your parents’ doctors about their specific symptoms so they can help you identify treatments that are right for your seniors.

When the sniffling, sneezing, and running eyes of seasonal allergies strike, try these tips for making your elderly parents more comfortable and helping them stay healthier throughout the season:

• Keep indoor air clean. The warm air and light breezes of springtime make it tempting to throw open the windows and doors, but if your aging parents have allergies, this is not an option. Keep windows and door closed and invest in a high-quality air conditioning and dehumidifying system to keep the indoor air comfortable and clean.
• Clean thoroughly. Even if you keep the home closed tightly throughout the day and night, allergens can sneak into the home on your shoes and clothing. Regular thorough cleaning are vital to removing these allergens from the carpet, floor, curtains, and other surfaces throughout the home. Use natural or “green” cleaning products as opposed to chemical cleaners and use a vacuum with a sealed filtration system to prevent circulating allergens back into the home.
• Stay informed. Check air quality and pollen conditions every morning to get an idea of how severe allergy symptoms may be that day. On the days when the pollen is at the highest levels, change plans to keep your seniors at home and ask that their senior health care services provider remove jackets, shoes, and any other outer layers of clothing in a laundry room or mud room to keep pollen out of the home as much as possible.