Reducing the Risk That Your Parent Will Suffer a Sinus Infection this Fall

September 21, 2016 by

Elder Care in Vaughan

Sinus infections are common, but they can be truly uncomfortable, and even put your aging parent’s ongoing health and wellbeing at serious risk. Helping them to avoid these infections is an Elder-Care-in-Vaughanimportant step toward preventing other illnesses and infections, and keeping your parent comfortable and happy throughout the fall and winter season.

 

Use these tips to help your aging parent reduce their risk of suffering a sinus infection this fall:

  • Wash hands frequently. Handwashing is one of the simplest, and yet most effective, means of preventing infection and illness. Encourage your aging parent to wash their hands throughout the day as well as before and after tasks such as preparing food, eating, using the restroom, and caring for animals. If they are not able to use running water and soap, have hand sanitizing gel available.
  • Avoid contact with ill people. Avoid allowing people who have been ill, had an infection, or are showing signs of illness or infection to visit with your aging parent. Remind them that even if they are not feeling “very” sick or are recovering, they could still pass their germs to your parent and cause a serious illness.
  • Be cautious with over the counter medications. Discourage your parent from relying too heavily on over the counter medications such as decongestive medications. While these can provide some relief for a few days, if your parent uses them too much they can actually worsen the condition and cause further problems for your parent. Talk to their doctor before they take any type of medication and ensure that they only take them for as long as the doctor says is acceptable.
  • Keep the nasal passages moist. Dry interior air can lead to the nasal passages drying out, making your parent more vulnerable to infections because the body is not as able to perform its natural germ fighting actions. Help to prevent this by keeping the nasal passages moist. Use a humidifier to produce moist air that your parent can breathe in, particularly when sleeping, or encourage them to stand in the bathroom for several minutes with a hot shower running.
  • Leave the windows closed. It may be tempting to open up the windows and doors and let the fresh air in, but this can also let in bacteria, mold, mildew, fungus, and germs that can contribute to allergies, sinus infections, and other illnesses. Instead, continue to use the air conditioner for as long as it is uncomfortably warm and add an air purifier to the home to keep it feeling fresher.

 

Starting elder care for your aging parent can be an extremely effective means of helping them to avoid infections and illness, and live a healthier, more enjoyable lifestyle as they age in place. This elderly home care services provider can be with your parent on a customized schedule to offer care, support, encouragement, and assistance tailored to their individual needs. By taking into consideration their individual challenges, limitations, and needs, as well as their personality, care goals, and thoughts, this care provider can help your parent make lifestyle choices that keep them healthier throughout the year.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Vaughan, contact the caring professionals at Staff Relief Health Care 24/7 at 905.709.1767.

 

Source:  http://www.everydayhealth.com/sinus-health-guide/avoid-sinus-pain-and-congestion.aspx

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