February is National Care About Your Indoor Air Month, which means it is a terrific time to think about how indoor air quality affects seniors. Indoor air quality is way more important than many people realize, especially if seniors are already dealing with chronic health conditions, including respiratory illnesses. Home care assistance can be especially helpful for seniors who need to stay on top of indoor air quality.
Respiratory Health
Seniors tend to be more susceptible to respiratory problems, and if the air quality in their homes is poor, that directly affects lung health. Poor indoor air quality tends to bring with it increased dust, allergens, and even mold, which can all contribute to respiratory illnesses. Keeping indoor air clean and well-ventilated improves respiratory health immensely.
Immune System Support
There are a lot of factors that can affect immune system function for aging adults, and air quality is one of those factors. Reducing airborne pollutants can improve immune system function because it also reduces the spread of germs. It can also help to have elder care providers helping with things like light housekeeping, which can kill germs on surfaces so that they don’t get into the air.
Allergen Management
Indoor allergens can trigger allergic reactions and contribute to illness. Even if seniors didn’t seem to be allergic to airborne irritants in the past, they can develop new allergies even later in life. Improving air quality helps to remove irritants and allergens directly from the air.
Cardiovascular Health
Poor air quality can also have an impact on cardiovascular health. This tends to be a more serious concern for seniors who already have compromised heart health. Prioritizing clean indoor air is a major part of any overall healthcare plan.
Improved Sleep Quality
When seniors have a tough time breathing or are experiencing allergies and other illnesses due to poor quality air, it’s also more difficult for them to sleep well. Getting the best possible sleep is tremendously important for seniors, especially when they’re trying to stay as healthy as they can. Poor sleep quality can exacerbate other health issues, so focusing on ways to improve sleep in any way possible pays off for aging adults.
Reduced Fall Risk
Mold and mildew aren’t just terrible for air quality and lung health, they can also cause problems on flat surfaces, like floors. When seniors are dealing with a damp environment, mold and mildew can cause a fall risk. Improving air quality makes the environment inhospitable for mold and mildew, making it easier to keep them at bay.
Improved Quality of Life
Almost every decision in caregiving comes down to improving quality of life for aging adults. Indoor air quality is a good idea for so many health reasons, but even if it weren’t, it just makes life better for seniors to breathe better air. Breathing clean air boosts physical health, mental well-being, and makes a space more enjoyable overall.
Prioritizing indoor air quality is a lot easier with help from home care assistance. Seniors get a boost in well-being and family caregivers know that their aging adult’s home is clean and safe.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Assistance in Swampscott, MA please contact the caring staff at Uniting With You Home Care today. Call (781) 593-1682
Uniting With You Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Marblehead, Nahant, Salem, Danvers, Lynn, Saugus, Revere, Beverly, Malden, Peabody, Melrose, Chelsea, East Boston, Middleton, Andover, Lynnfield, Somerville, Swampscott, Everett, Winthrop, all of the North Shore, and Essex County.
Our staff includes nurses (RNs and LPNs), Home Health Aides (HHAs) and Personal Care Attendants (PCAs). We also offer Homemaker/Companion Care and other supportive services, available to our clients 24/7. All staff members are bilingual (English/Spanish). Through continuing education opportunities, we ensure that all staff members employed by Uniting With You Home Care maintain their professional development and exceed industry skill standards.
We recognize that welcoming caregivers and companions into your home requires a high level of trust and confidence. To ensure this trust, all staff members are carefully screened through extensive background checks.
Uniting With You Home Care provides services to clients on the North Shore and Greater Boston area; payment for services is accepted through Medicare or private pay.
- How to Accept Living Alone as a Senior - May 3, 2024
- Home Care Tips: It’s Time to Start Swimming as a Senior - April 15, 2024
- Seven Ways Alzheimer’s Home Care Empowers Seniors with Cognitive Illnesses - April 2, 2024
