How to Help Your Senior Manage Their Allergies This Season

Summer is here! The sun is shining, the pools are open, the days are longer – and the pollen count is high. Those who suffer from seasonal allergies have a hard time during this season, and seniors with allergies are no exception!
If your senior is struggling with allergies right now, we’re here to offer several remedies that can provide them with relief this season. Below we’re sharing some of our favorite tips and tricks to reduce allergy symptoms for seniors.

Go to the Drugstore

Sometimes clearing up seasonal allergies can be as simple as picking up an OTC medication from your local drugstore! For seniors who have stuffy noses, a decongestant can do the trick. For sniffling, sneezing, and itchy throats, you’ll want an antihistamine instead. Be sure to check with your senior’s doctor or caregiver before giving them a medication, just to be positive it’s safe for them.
Bonus Tip: If your senior would rather try a natural remedy, grab some saltwater! A saline nasal rinse can minimize symptoms by clearing allergens from nasal membranes. Gargling saltwater is also a soothing way to cure a scratchy throat.

Stay In and Keep Windows Closed

If your senior is active and likes to workout outside, encourage them to try and do an indoor workout instead during this season. It’s also a wise idea to keep the windows close to keep pollen particles out. Your senior can check the pollen count each morning so they know which times of the day to avoid going outside when counts are high.

Wear a Mask Outside

Whether it’s for chores, running errands, or going on a walk, if your seniors has to go outside, they should consider wearing an N95 mask. These masks help reduce your senior’s exposure to pollen particles by 95%, reducing the allergy symptoms pollen can cause.

Determine if It’s Really Allergies

Last but not least, be positive that your senior is truly experiencing allergy symptoms. During COVID-19, no symptom should be overlooked. If your senior experiences any of the following symptoms, it’s time to call their doctor to be safe: shortness of breath, fever or chills, a cough, fatigue, body ache, headache, loss of smell or taste, sore throat or congestion, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.
If you still need further advice to help manage your senior loved one’s allergies, please feel free to reach out and contact our experts here at Home Care Assistance!