Caregiver in Buford GA

The spring can be a wonderful time to shake off the chill of winter, get out of the stuffy house where you have spent months having to stick out the cold weather, and start enjoying the fresh air and beauty of nature again. If you are the caregiver for an elderly adult who suffers from seasonal allergies, however, the springtime is more about avoiding going outside and dealing with sniffling, sneezing, runny and itchy eyes, and an irritated throat. One way that you can help your elderly allergy sufferer get through allergy season with less misery is carefully cleaning her home throughout the season to minimize her exposure to allergens when she is at home.

Use these tips to help you clean your parent’s home thoroughly and effectively to help your allergy sufferer feel better throughout the season:

• Control moisture. Remember that many people who suffer from outdoor seasonal allergies such as allergy to pollen or grass are also allergic to mold. While you can come into contact with mold outside, you are much more likely to encounter it right in the home. The easiest and most effective way to keep this controlled is by controlling moisture. During your cleaning efforts check all areas of the home that may harbor moisture, including in cabinets under the sinks in kitchens and bathrooms, around pipes, and in the basement. Make sure that you also regularly wipe away moisture inside the refrigerator and leave the washer door open in between load to minimize mold growth in those appliances.
• Vacuum. When you are caring for an allergy sufferer, vacuuming once a week is not enough. Vacuum every other day if not every day, and use hypoallergenic vacuum bags if available for your vacuum. If you use a vacuum that utilizes a chamber, make sure that you empty this chamber thoroughly after each use, or when it gets full during a use, but carefully as emptying it can send contaminants back up into the air. Consider using an allergy-killing carpet powder or spray prior to vacuuming for extra benefit.
• Take care of bedding. Look for bedding that is machine washable, or use a machine washable duvet cover to make washing your parent’s comforter faster and easier. Cover the mattress, mattress pad, and pillows in hypoallergenic, allergen-blocking covers prior to putting on pillowcases and sheets, and wash the linens at least once a week.
• Check the vents. If you vacuum, dust, and mop regularly but you still notice that there is dust, dirt, lint, pollen, and other contaminants on your surfaces, take a moment to check the vents. These often contain tremendous buildup of contaminants that gets broken down inside the vent and then blow back into the air in the living spaces of the house. Consider having a professional clean the vents, and make sure that thoroughly vacuuming the vents occurs each time you change the filter.
• Do not overlook the climate control system. Climate control systems, particularly air conditioners, are prime real estate for mold and mildew, both of which can be tremendous triggers for allergy sufferers. Clean all accessible areas of these systems with a diluted bleach solution to kill these growths and help keep them from coming back.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable caregiver services in Buford, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

Source: https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/cleaning-tips-for-allergy-and-asthma-sufferers.aspx

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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