Almost 8 percent of the adults in the United States have hay fever. Symptoms may be severe or mild and include symptoms like sneezing, congestion, a runny nose, watery eyes, and itching. Some people cough or have a sore throat if there is a post-nasal drip. Some also experience headaches.

If your mom is dealing with seasonal allergies, over-the-counter medications will ease some of the symptoms. You can also talk to her doctor about prescription medications if over-the-counter medications don’t offer relief. There are also some DIY projects you can do around the home to help her.

Landscaping

If your mom knows the plants and trees that affect her the most, you need to look at her yard. If she’s sensitive to pine pollen, she shouldn’t have pine trees in her yard if possible. It may not be possible given the size of a pine tree. If they’re small, they could be transplanted to a location that’s out of her yard. She may have a friend who wants a pine tree.

Some of the most common allergens are grass, English plantain, pigweed, ragweed, ryegrass, and sagebrush. Look up their photos online and see if they are in your mom’s yard. If she has fields nearby, they may be present. Removing the weeds can lower the number of airborne allergens around her home.

Set Up AC and an Air Purifier

When her allergens are at their worst, keeping her windows closed will help. It keeps the pollen outside and away from her. Install an air conditioner for her if it’s too hot inside with the windows closed.

You can also install an air purifier in the room she’s in the most. That will remove allergens from the air inside her home. That should ease her symptoms.

Replace Carpeting

Carpeting captures dust, pollen, and pet dander. Consider replacing older carpeting with hardwood. There are also laminate and vinyl plank products that look like wood. Dust is easily removed from hard flooring surfaces.

If there is newer carpeting, you won’t want to replace it. Rent a carpet shampooer and clean the carpets. That will remove trapped allergens. Vacuum the carpet regularly to remove dust, dander, and allergens as they enter the home.

Your mom may not be able to vacuum or run a dust mop. If cleaning is one of those daily tasks she is not mobile enough to complete, elder care services can help. Elder care services help with household chores like dusting, vacuuming, and laundry. The caregiver will help with those chores and help your mom get through allergy season.

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 Home Health Care in Gainesville, GA, and surrounding areas.
Call (770) 965.4004 for more information.

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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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