Indoor air quality is something that can significantly impact seniors who are aging in place. Seniors who have respiratory issues like COPD especially need to maintain good indoor air quality. During the cooler weather when seniors can’t open windows or go outside very often the air quality indoors can be full of irritants. And during the summer when the air conditioning is on that can also cause poor indoor air quality.
Seniors who have in-home care can have their in-home care provider check the quality of the air indoors. They can also make sure that dusting and vacuuming are done regularly to get rid of allergens. But to improve the quality of the air indoors seniors should:
Open Windows for Short periods
Opening windows is a fantastic way to get rid of damp stale air and improve ventilation, especially in the bathroom. If it’s too cold to keep windows open all the time try opening them for a short period to freshen up and circulate the air.
Keep Indoor Spaces Clean
Regular cleaning helps reduce indoor air pollutants such as dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery frequently use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to trap fine particles. An in-home care provider can do light dusting and vacuuming, but it’s a good idea to have the house keep cleaned regularly too.
Run a Humidifier
The best indoor humidity levels for comfort are 30-50%. Those humidity levels will also prevent mold growth, dust mites, and other indoor air quality issues. Running a humidifier will help seniors breathe easier and keep allergens at a minimum. It’s often recommended that seniors have a humidifier in the bedroom at night to help them sleep.
Don’t Smoke Indoors
Seniors shouldn’t be smoking. But, seniors who do still smoke should never smoke inside. It’s also a bad idea to burn candles, or incense, or to use heavy air fresheners inside because that can cause poor air quality.
Regular HVAC Maintenance
Make sure to have the furnace and air conditioning units serviced at least once a year to make sure they are clean and in good working order. Every few years it’s a good idea to get the ducts cleaned.
Clean the Carpets
Wall-to-wall carpet hangs onto an amazing number of allergens as well as dirt, dust, pet hair, smells, and stains. It’s smart to have wall-to-wall carpet professionally cleaned every six months to improve indoor quality.
Indoor Plants
Indoor plants can help improve indoor air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and other air pollutants and releasing oxygen. Choose houseplants known for their air-purifying properties, such as spider plants, peace lilies, snake plants, and pothos. Place indoor plants strategically throughout the house to maximize their air-cleaning benefits and enhance the aesthetic appeal of indoor spaces.
Air Purifiers
Try using air purifiers with HEPA filters or activated carbon filters to remove airborne pollutants and allergens from indoor air. Air purifiers can effectively capture dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other particles to improve the air quality inside.
Use a Range Fan
Cooking activities can release indoor air pollutants such as smoke, grease, and cooking odors into the air. Use exhaust fans or range hoods vented to the outdoors to remove cooking smoke and smells and prevent them from accumulating indoors.
Regular Indoor Air Quality Testing
At least once a year you should have the air quality in your senior parent’s home tested by a professional to make sure it’s safe for them to continue living independently in the home.
If you or an aging loved one is considering In-Home Care in Bethel, CT, please contact the caring staff at Elderly Caregivers LLC. today at (203) 628-7438
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