Spring Cleaning Tips for Seniors

Spring is finally here, and so is allergy season. Whether you are providing care for your elderly loved one, or (s)he is in the hands of a caregiver, it is important to take the proper precautions to avoid any allergy-related complications this spring. The following are a few pointers on how to reduce exposure to allergens and maintain a healthy environment.

Allergens that are often trapped inside homes include: pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander. For seniors (especially those with respiratory and other chronic illnesses), common allergies can cause serious health complications.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Seniors

Here are a few spring-cleaning tips to reduce exposure to these allergens:

• Filters: Clean or replace any filters around the home, including air conditioners, humidifiers, and furnaces
• Box springs: When cleaning your sheets and pillowcases, vacuum the box spring in order to eliminate any excess dust and allergen build-up.
• Rug bottoms: Often times, area rugs are moved out of the way to sweep and mop underneath. Make sure to wash or vacuum both sides of the rug frequently, as they trap dust.
• Window and door tracks: These are often times overlooked, but serve as prime spots for mildew and mold to grow. Spray the track and wipe it clean to avoid exposure.
• Pets:  Pet dander is a common allergen. Avoid letting your pet in your bedroom; wash and brush your pet frequently and keep litter boxes clean and isolated from the rest of the home.
• Bathrooms: Keep bathrooms clean and well-ventilated to minimize the presence of moisture and mold from building up.

Other Tips to Avoid Allergies

• Limit the use of ceiling fans and windows. Windows bring in pollen from outside, while ceiling fans circulate it throughout the home.
• Avoid hanging clothes to dry outside, as allergens may collect on the items.
• Bathe after coming in from a day outside to remove any allergens that may be trapped on skin and hair.
• Medications: WARNING: Over-the-counter allergy medications may have harmful effects when combined with other medications. Before providing your loved one with allergy medication, contact his or her physician.
• Consider using non-toxic cleaning supplies and avoid using bleach, ammonia, and other products that can irritate allergies and respiratory systems.

Contact Sonas for Home Health Care Services in Florida

If you think your patient or loved one may be experiencing allergies, contact his or her physician. Often times, senior citizens have more than one medical condition; therefore, diagnosing allergies may be complicated.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home health care services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Sonas Home Health Care. Call today (888) 592-5855

Jillian Miller BSN, RN

Director of Nursing at Sonas Home Health Care

This blog was reviewed by Jillian Miller BSN, RN — Director of Nursing for Sonas Home Health Care’s Tampa Bay market — for clinical accuracy. Jillian Miller has been a nurse for 16 years — working primarily in pediatrics. She believes the best part of working with the pediatric population is when you see smiles from clients when you first enter the room. She loves seeing the difference you can make in families’ lives while providing the best care possible for them.