May is Clean Air Month, which may conjure images of outdoor air polluted by car exhaust, industrial fumes, and other pollutants. However, have you ever considered how the air your aging relative breathes inside their own home might affect their health. Seniors who have asthma, allergies, COPD, or other lung conditions can benefit from breathing cleaner indoor air. Below are some tips for keeping the air in your older family member’s home cleaner so they can breathe easier.
Improve Ventilation
When you want to freshen up the air in your elderly relative’s house, you may be tempted to open a window. However, the air that’s outside can be just as much of a problem as the air inside. Pollen can enter through window screens, irritating airways, and worsening asthma and allergy symptoms. That doesn’t mean seniors have to keep their windows closed all the time. There are screens that can be added to windows to filter out pollutants. Or, you could look into trickle ventilation, which allows small amounts of air into the house. On days when pollen levels and other pollutant levels are particularly high, it’s still best to keep the windows closed. To keep the house cool, use air conditioners instead.
Keep the House Clean
Keeping the house clean and as free of dust as possible can improve breathing issues. However, you may need to be a little more careful about the kinds of cleaners you use. Some kinds of cleaners, such as ammonia and chlorine bleach, contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs affect the quality of indoor air. Look for cleaning products that don’t contain VOCs and are gentler on the lungs.
No Smoking Inside
Cigarette smoke is a dangerous air pollutant that has been linked to increased risk of cancer and other serious diseases. Not only is secondhand smoke a problem, but the gases and particles in cigarette smoke also settle on floors and other surfaces, especially carpets. Don’t allow people to smoke inside the older adult’s home. If they must smoke, ask them to step outside.
Get Houseplants
Houseplants can help to remove toxins from indoor air. Certain plants are better at the job than others. Some plants that can help to clean the air in your loved one’s home are:
- Dwarf date palm.
- Peace lily.
- Philodendron.
- Spider plant.
- Chrysanthemums.
Home care can help keep the air in your loved one’s home cleaner. Home care providers can keep an eye on pollen and pollution levels and keep the windows closed when they are an issue. Home care providers can also keep the house clean by vacuuming, dusting, and mopping. If your aging relative has houseplants, a home care provider can take care of watering them.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Laguna Woods, CA, please contact the caring staff at Canaan Home Care today!1-844-CANAAN-1 (1-844-226-2261)
Sources
Webmd.com
Bhg.com.au
Health.clevelandclinic.org
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