Spring is coming, and the temperatures are rising, which is great news for spending time outdoors. However, if you suffer from seasonal allergies, this time of year can be a hassle. Even when seniors live in the best assisted living facilities in OKC, they can experience severe allergy symptoms as pollen enters the air in spring. Helping your senior loved one deal with allergies while in assisted living communities can ensure they remain comfortable through the season.

Common Allergy Symptoms

Sometimes individuals don’t develop seasonal allergies until their senior years. Knowing what symptoms to watch for and how to differentiate between other nasal symptoms and allergies is vital to ensuring your loved one receives the necessary care. Seniors with allergies will often experience the following:

• Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
• Sneezing
• Postnasal drainage
• A runny or stuffy nose
• Ear congestion

If you notice any of these symptoms in your aging loved one, it’s worth a visit to the doctor to diagnose allergies or identify the genuine cause of the symptoms, so they can be resolved.

Safety Tips for Dealing with Allergies

While medication may be necessary to help individuals in assisted living for seniors in Oklahoma City with their allergy symptoms, there are other things your aging loved one can do to prevent or alleviate their symptoms. These simple steps can avoid unnecessary medication and keep your loved one comfortable throughout the spring.

Keep Windows Closed

The best assisted living facilities in OKC have air conditioning and heating systems to keep seniors comfortable year-round. Since utility costs are generally included in the cost of assisted living, it’s best for seniors with seasonal allergies to keep the windows closed during the peak season. Running an air purifier can also help.

Vacuum Often

Pollen and other allergens can easily get caught in carpets. As individuals move around, they can disrupt the allergens and trigger a reaction. By vacuuming regularly, your senior loved one can minimize exposure to allergens by removing them from the carpets. Those in assisted living communities should request weekly housekeeping to help.

Avoid Outdoor Exposure

While it’s beneficial for seniors to get plenty of exercise, they should monitor the weather apps for high pollen levels to determine whether it’s a good idea to spend time outdoors. Assisted living for seniors in Oklahoma City should also offer plenty of indoor activities to keep seniors active and engaged, even when they can’t venture outdoors.

Consider Essential Oils

Using essential oils in a diffuser offers many health benefits for seniors and others. If you or a senior loved one suffers from seasonal allergies, using essential oils can reduce inflammation and boost the immune system to reduce allergic reactions. Talk to your doctor about which essential oils will work best for your needs.

If you want to learn more about helping your senior loved one reduce their allergy symptoms, contact us. Our team can discuss how our assisted living facility helps seniors suffering from seasonal allergy symptoms.