Eight Tips for Helping Seniors Avoid Respiratory Illnesses

Older adults are at greater risk of respiratory illnesses like pneumonia, the flu, and even colds. Seniors often experience weakened immune systems which makes them more susceptible to the germs that cause these illnesses. With support from senior home care and the right precautions, aging adults may be able to avoid some of these illnesses.

Practice Good Hygiene

Hygiene is a super easy way for seniors to stay healthy, especially from respiratory illnesses. Proper hand washing helps to remove germs, including bacteria and viruses, that could cause illness and infection. Senior home care providers can remind seniors to wash their hands and help them have access to everything they need for good hygiene.

Avoid Crowds

Respiratory illnesses typically pass from one person to another very easily. That means that crowded areas are not a great space for seniors to be in if they want to avoid getting sick. Home care providers can help run errands and otherwise support seniors in their quest to avoid crowds.

Eat Healthfully

Eating well gives the body what it needs to stay healthy and to power the immune system. The problem for many seniors is that it takes so much effort and energy to cook healthy foods for themselves. Senior home care providers can handle everything from grocery shopping to meal preparation, allowing aging adults to rest and to still get the nutrients they need.

Get Regular Movement

If their doctors recommend that they get exercise, seniors should make it a point to start moving more regularly. Exercise helps to keep the body strong, improves circulation, and helps the respiratory system stay strong. Starting out with easy exercise that seniors enjoy helps to make sure that they’ll keep it up.

Prioritize Rest

Rest is just as important as activity, though. If seniors aren’t getting enough rest and quality sleep, their bodies may have a tougher time staying healthy. Home care providers can help seniors to set up routines and schedules that make it easier to get the rest they need.

Keep the Home Clean

Dust, mold, pet dander, and dirt all contribute to respiratory issues. Keeping the home clean helps to reduce the risk that seniors are likely to get sick. Seniors may not be able to keep up with these tasks as easily as they did in the past, but elder care providers can make quick work of cleaning.

Manage Chronic Health Issues

If seniors have other chronic health issues, their bodies are often busy with those, making it tougher for the immune system to fight off germs. Keeping chronic health issues under better control helps overall well-being, letting the immune system keep up with the challenges it faces.

Consider Vaccinations

Vaccinations exist for some of the biggest respiratory illnesses, like the flu and pneumonia. Seniors should talk with their doctors about the health issues they experience and whether they should consider getting vaccinated. Home care providers can help aging adults stay on top of their vaccination schedules, upcoming doctor’s appointments, and other details they need to pay attention to around health needs.

Avoiding respiratory illnesses is an important part of keeping seniors as healthy as possible. Senior home care providers make it easier for family caregivers and aging adults to see where they can take steps to keep seniors healthier.

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HIRING SENIOR HOME CARE IN LOS ALTOS, CA, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS TODAY. (408) 317-4969