Allergen-Free Home Benefits Health and Well-Being, Especially Critical for Seniors

Many people suffer from allergies. As you age, allergies can complicate existing health issues. Plus, knowing if you have a cold, the flu or an allergy is important. With our longevity, advance planning is key.

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Allergen-Free Home Benefits Health and Well-Being, Especially Critical for Seniors
7 Min Read December 5th, 2018 Updated:February 21st, 2022

People can have allergies to many different common objects. Anything from down-filled pillows and comforters to peanut butter sandwiches can cause severe allergic reactions. What is more, ‘Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S.,’ according to the to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Young, healthy people may only experience mild annoyance at an allergic reaction. Older adults, however, could suffer severe medical consequences, such as compromised respiration. Furthermore, repeated stress related to allergies could exacerbate other medical conditions as well. Anyone providing living space for a senior or serving as the caregiver for an older adult should do their best to limit allergens within the environment.

For many people, allergy season is all year. For other people, allergies that be seasonal depending on the type of allergies a person suffers from. When allergy season arrives, those who fall victims to seasonal allergies start to complain, stock up on tissue, and continue with their day. While most prescription medication helps adults find relief, others simply ignore them.

Don't Ignore Allergy Symptoms

For seniors, ignoring the symptoms can be dangerous to their health. A stuffy nose is considered as inconvenient for adults, but for seniors with chronic issues such as respiratory or heart conditions, any difficulty in breathing can lead to larger problems.

If you're experiencing allergy symptoms, you may have developed a new allergy. Due to genetics, lifestyle changes, and illness, new allergies can appear during the later years. In fact, it is not uncommon for seniors to experience their first symptoms of allergy during their 60s and 70s.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) says people often confuse if there are experiencing symptoms from a cold, the flu or an allergy. The NIH chart below shows common symptoms:

Symptoms Cold Flu Airborne Allergy
Fever Rare Usual, high (100-102 °F), sometimes higher, especially in young children); lasts 3-4 days Never
Headache Uncommon Common Uncommon
General Aches, Pains Slight Usual; often severe Never
Fatigue, Weakness Sometimes Usual, can last up to 3 weeks Sometimes
Extreme Exhaustion Never Usual, at the beginning of the illness Never
Stuffy, Runny Nose Common Sometimes Common
Sneezing Usual Sometimes Usual
Sore Throat Common Sometimes Sometimes
Cough Common Common, can become severe Sometimes
Chest Discomfort Mild to moderate Common Rare, except for those with allergic asthma
Treatment Get plenty of rest. Get plenty of rest. Avoid allergens (things that you’re allergic to)
Stay hydrated. (Drink plenty of fluids.) Stay hydrated. Antihistamines
Decongestants. Aspirin (ages 18 and up), acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for aches, pains, and fever Nasal steroids
Aspirin (ages 18 and up), acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for aches and pains Antiviral medicines (see your doctor) Decongestants
Prevention Wash your hands often. Get the flu vaccine each year. Avoid allergens, such as pollen, house dust mites, mold, pet dander, cockroaches.
Avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold. Wash your hands often.
  Avoid close contact with anyone who has the flu.
Complications Sinus infection middle ear infection, asthma Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening Sinus infection, middle ear infection, asthma

The NIH says that allergy symptoms will usually last based on a person’s exposure to the allergen. Colds or the flu generally will not last beyond two weeks.  

A person suffering from a cold or the flu will generally recover without medical care. Those who are older, however, or with other health complications, may suffer longer.

Always contact your doctor if symptoms last beyond 10 days or if the symptoms are not relieved with use of over-the-counter medicines. Remember, people with health issues, or those who are older, should always check with their doctor prior to using over-the-counter medications. For more about when to see a doctor, go to Center for Disease Control (CDC) Flu Page.

The CDC publishes this handy brochure.

Consider Getting Allergy Testing

People can be allergic to anything, from dust to antibiotics. The incredible scope of potential allergies makes it nearly impossible for any one household to eliminate all allergens. If a loved one already has known allergies, you can obviously take steps to accommodate that allergy by preventing mold growth, deep cleaning the house with non-toxic products, or even re-homing pets that could trigger allergic reactions. Investing in a powerful air filter can help remove allergens already circulating in your home.

If you do not know what allergies your loved one has and they are experiencing allergic reactions, you may need to take them in for allergy testing. This process involves a series of small needle pricks to see what reaction the body has to different allergens. Once you have identified allergens that cause severe reactions in your older adult, it will be much easier to reduce or eliminate the presence of that allergen in your home.

Avoid Over-the-Counter Antihistamines

While allergy medication is commonly used, most prescriptions can be detrimental to senior adults. In fact, the harmful side effects can be extreme dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, and dry mouth. When taken with other medication, allergy drugs can result in negative interactions, ranging from insomnia, behavioral issues, and mood swings.

Staying indoors all winter long can make even the best of us feel groggy. As the weather heats up, we want to head outside and soak up the sun. But remember, pollen can stick to hair and clothing, with can be tracked back into the home. To prevent this, seniors and families can remove their shoes upon entering the house, wash their hands, and take a shower to prevent the onset of allergy symptoms and keep the pollen away.

Weather forecasts usually include a pollen count and can be found online. You can use this to your advantage and avoid outdoor activities for when allergens are particularly high. If your family must go outside, remember to wear loose clothing and wear sunglasses to avoid eye irritation.

This guide is helpful in creating an allergy-free home.

Be Ready to Upgrade Upholstery and Carpeting

Hard surfaces are often much easier to treat then soft or upholstered surfaces. You can wipe down the counter or linoleum floor, but you can't necessarily do the same thing for carpet. Depending on the allergies your older adults has, it may be necessary to replace upholstered furniture that has high levels of allergen exposure. The same may be true for carpets and area rugs. if it isn't possible to safely remediate the allergens from a fabric surface, it is much better for your loved one to replace the fabric or carpeting in question rather than risk of severe allergic reaction.

Keep the Doors and Windows Closed

As the sun comes out, it is tempting to open the doors and windows to let the breeze enter. Getting outside to breathe in the fresh air, exercise, and natural vitamin D is essential for seniors. But with that, you are also inviting pollen into the home. For seniors, especially their bedrooms, keep the doors shut and windows closed to reduce the risks of allergens.

Getting Rid of Dust

One of the best ways to control indoor allergens is to get rid of dust. As the most common trigger of asthma and allergy symptoms, dust mites thrive in corners and hard to reach areas, especially near the ventilators. Use a damp cloth that attracts dust rather than spreading it. Since we spend most of our time in the bedroom, wash the bedding, throw rugs, and pillows regularly to reduce allergens.

Make an effort to wash the bed sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water once a week. You can also try to minimize clutter in the home and wear a mask when cleaning.

Prevent the Growth of Mold

Molds and mildew are known to thrive in damp areas of the house, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. As a result, mold spores can float in the air like pollen and trigger allergies. To reduce the risks, replace wallpaper with tiles or mold-resistant paint. Additionally, take time to reply moldy carpeting and shower curtains as well as run a daily dehumidifier to reduce moisture in the room.

Use Eco-Friendly Cleaners

Most harsh chemicals found in household cleaners can aggravate allergy symptoms, especially in seniors with sensitivity to smell. Switch to green products which have natural plant-based ingredients. You can also make your own products using vinegar, baking soda, and lemon.

For many families, keeping homes clean and reducing known allergens is all it takes to ensure a safe space for seniors. Other times, more intense effort may become necessary. From removing sources of pet dander to investing in air filtration systems, you can take many steps to reduce allergen exposure and ensure the safest, healthiest environment for the older adult in your life.

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About the Author

Sally Phillips is a freelance writer with many years’ experience across many different areas. She enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with her family, and traveling as much as possible.

LTC News Contributor Sally Phillips

Sally Phillips

Contributor since November 4th, 2017

Editor's Note

Even something as simple as an allergy can produce substantial health issues. Often these complications will impact our independence and the end result will be need for long-term care services and supports.

Planning for Long-Term Care

If you have an elder family member be sure to be aware of how to address these concerns and help make for a better lifestyle. If they are over 75 it is much more difficult to obtain Long-Term Care Insurance. Generally, this type of insurance is purchased prior to retirement as part of a person’s overall retirement planning. 

Longevity Requires a Plan

Why is planning for long-term care so important? Longevity allows us to live a longer lifespan. Advances in medical science treat health issues that would have caused death in decades past. The problem is the dramatic increase in those who require help with normal activities-of-daily living or supervision due to cognitive decline. Cognitive decline risk increases with age.

The cost of this custodial care is not paid for by health insurance or Medicare or Medicare Supplements. Long-Term Care Insurance provides the resources for your choice of quality care in the setting you desire. This reduces the burdens and stress that would normally be placed on family members.

Care is Expensive but LTC Insurance is Affordable

Caregiving is hard on loved ones. Paid care drains your retirement accounts (IRA 401(k), 403(b), SEP) and other assets. This adversely impacts your future income and lifestyle. This is why having a plan to address the financial costs and burdens of aging is essential.

Long-Term Care Insurance is very affordable, especially if you are younger and in good health. Experts suggest reviewing your options in your 40s and 50s as premiums are at their lowest and your health is generally at its best.

Research Tools on LTC NEWS

You can find many tools and resources on LTC NEWS to assist you in your research for a planning solution or help your family find the appropriate care for a loved one at the time of crisis. 

To help you plan the costs and burdens of changing health and aging, LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:

Find all the resources on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.

 Seek Professional Guidance

Insurance rates are regulated, so no insurance agent, agency, or financial advisor can give you special deals. However, premiums vary over 100% between insurance companies for the same coverage.

Experts suggest using a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you navigate the many options available to you and your family.

A specialist who works with the top companies can match your age, health, family history, and other factors and find you the best coverage at the best value. A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.

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LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with your Long-Term Care Insurance policy. 

You can also get support in finding quality caregivers and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy or not. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News

Benefits of Reverse Mortgages 

Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance.  

Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, even help with cash flow during your retirement. 

Learn more by asking questions to an expert. LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages. 

- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.

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