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Seasonal Allergies & Seniors: Four Tips for this Pollen Season

April showers may bring May flowers; Yet, for those that live with seasonal allergies, those May flowers can bring a whole bunch of pollen!

For seniors living with seasonal allergies, pollen season is especially triggering to the sinuses. The following are a few tips and tricks for seniors and caregivers alike in search of a pain free way to enjoy the spring weather.

  1. Elderly individuals need to be aware of the pollen counts.

When it comes to seasonal allergies, it’s best to be proactive instead of reactive. Thus, a proactive approach is to be aware of the pollen counts. These can be accessed via the local news, radio, newspaper, etc. It can also easily be accessed by a quick internet search. If you are a senior who is slightly tech averse, a tech-savvy home health aide can always help you out!

  1. Seniors should avoid dry and windy days.

If you want to sidestep any pollen irritants, it’s best to try and avoid being outside on any windy and dry days. Dry air allows the pollen to accumulate, while wind carries pollen through the air. If you’re trying to optimize the best times to go outside: try to aim for the days following rain. In these instances, the air will be clearer as most of the pollen will be washed away in the downpour.

  1. Aging loved ones must try to keep the outside, out!

To ensure allergens stay outside, it’s in your best interest to maintain an environment where the pollen cannot come inside. This means keeping windows and doors closed when the pollen count is high. It also means using circulatory air devices such as AC or fans to ensure healthy air flow when the outside cannot be accessed.

  1. Have seniors be mindful of clothing.

For seniors with seasonal allergies, it’s imperative to ensure that allergens are not tracked into the home. A home health aide’s shoes, a caregiver’s hat, or a grandchild’s coat can be covered with pollen. As soon as these pollen-laden items enter the home, your aging loved one will start feeling it in their sinuses.

Thus, you’ll need to eradicate the possibility of any unintentional tracking. After going outside, change into clothing and place the old clothing in the washing machine. Have guests shed outer clothing before entering the living space. Don’t air dry any clothing outside, as this will be a magnet for pollen.

If your senior loved one needs help managing their allergies, contact a home health aide at Expicare Nursing today!