Springtime is here! The trees are blooming, the sun is shining, and allergies must be creeping up on you. While some people avoid the outdoors entirely during this season, others find relief in taking preventative measures like avoiding allergens or using antihistamines. Additional ways exist to reduce allergy risk for the residents of Assisted Living in North Carolina.
In this post, we’ll talk about why allergies occur in Assisted Living communities, how residents can reduce their risk of developing them, and how they can treat their symptoms if they do develop an allergy. By following these tips and precautions during the spring months when pollen counts are at their highest, you can enjoy your new accommodation without worrying about getting sick.
Keep Up with the Housekeeping
One of the best ways to reduce the risks of springtime allergies in Assisted Living is to keep up with the housekeeping. Vacuuming or sweeping can easily remove pollen on your furniture and floors. Also, consider using a vacuum with a HEPA filter if you have one available. This will help trap more dust and other allergens than a standard vacuum cleaner would – and it will be easier on your lungs!
Clean the Air Vents and Filters
A clean air filter is key to good indoor air quality. It’s important to clean your filters regularly and replace them when they’re dirty, which can be as often as once a month or even more frequently, depending on how often you use your HVAC system.
If you have pets, consider using electronic filters for pet dander removal. These may cost more than traditional filters but offer better performance and longevity for homes with pets.
Limit Outdoor Time
To limit your exposure to pollen, try to stay indoors during peak hours. Pollen counts tend to be highest between 5 am and 8 am and again between 4 pm and 7 pm. If you need to go outside during these times, wear a mask that filters out particulate matter and keep it on until you’re back inside.
If you don’t have access to an air filter for your room in Assisted Living or Independent Living, talk with caregivers about how else they can help reduce the number of allergens in your environment. They may be able to put up screens on windows or doors that open onto outdoor areas so that pollen doesn’t come in as easily through them; this is helpful if it’s windy outside!
Take Your Medications
Taking your medications on schedule is an important part of managing your allergies and reducing the risk of complications. Someone else may administer them for you if you’re in Assisted Living. If this is the case, make sure they know the certain times during which they should not give you such medications because they may cause side effects such as drowsiness or dizziness when taken with other drugs.
Keep Indoor Plants Outside During Pollen Season
Avoid bringing flowering plants into the home, especially if you or your loved one is allergic to them or has asthma. If you decide to keep a plant indoors during pollen season, try placing it in an area of the home with fewer windows (such as near doors). This will help cut down on the number of allergens it releases into the air.
