Whether seniors struggle with seasonal or year-round allergies, the side effects can be frustrating and continuous. Luckily, there are a number of things that seniors can do to counter the effects of allergies. In addition, loved ones and senior home care can offer support, ensuring seniors’ quality of life doesn’t suffer.
Allergy Basics
It’s important to know what allergies are and how they affect seniors. Essentially, when the immune system responds too strongly to normally harmless things, like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or some foods, it results in allergies. Some of the most common allergy signs are rashes, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing. For seniors, allergies might be something they’ve struggled with their whole lives, or they could be something new. The difficulty comes in the management of allergies, as some common medications might not be available due to not mixing well with current prescriptions or medical conditions. When this happens, senior home care, loved ones, and seniors themselves need to look for alternative ways to combat allergies.
Tips and Tricks to Help Seniors Handle Allergies
First and foremost, seniors should talk with their doctor. If needed, they can do allergy tests to find out what causes the senior’s symptoms and make a treatment plan that is specific to their needs. This could include prescription medications, allergy shots, or suggestions for over-the-counter medicines. Other suggestions for helping seniors handle allergies are listed below:
Improve Indoor Air Quality: Since seniors spend a lot of time inside, it’s important to keep the air inside clean. Low-flow (HEPA) screens can be used in air purifiers and HVAC systems to catch allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander. Additionally, senior home care can assist by vacuuming and dusting regularly to keep allergens to a minimum.
- Limit Outside Time: Seniors who have seasonal allergies should keep an eye on pollen forecasts and try to limit their time outside when pollen counts are high. If they need to go outside, loved ones can encourage them to wear sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim to help keep pollen out of their eyes and faces. Also, seniors with severe allergies might consider changing clothes and taking a shower after coming inside to help get rid of pollen on the skin and hair.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: A well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains boosts the immune system and may make allergy symptoms less severe. Some foods, like apples, onions, and cruciferous vegetables, may help with allergies because they naturally contain antihistamines. Senior home care can help seniors with healthy meal planning to ensure they focus on these items.
- Stay Hydrated: Seniors with allergies should be encouraged to drink a lot of water because staying hydrated can help thin mucus and ease congestion. Additionally, it’s best to stay away from caffeinated drinks and alcohol, which can make seniors lose water. If seniors struggle with water, they may like herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile, which may also help ease allergy symptoms.
Seniors with allergies can incorporate safety measures and strategies to handle those allergies with ease, thanks to the support they get from loved ones and senior home care. It’s essential for seniors who are struggling to talk with their medical team first. Then, they can look at putting some of the tips above into practice.
Sources:
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/help-elders-survive-allergy-season-150138.htm
https://taking.care/blogs/resources-advice/allergies-in-seniors
https://www.thehelperbees.com/families/healthy-hive/how-to-help-a-senior-with-allergies/
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring senior home care in Anderson, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116.
Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia, and the surrounding areas.
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