Fall and winter usually come with their respective festivities, and with these festivities come decorations. However, we rarely put much thought into these decorations, even though they may worsen air quality in our homes.
Such a consideration is significantly helpful to our elderly loved ones because poor air quality impacts them more than their younger counterparts. Here are some unapparent harmful decorations and tips on how to deal with them.
- Plastic Skeletons
Halloween is a great time to break out your spooky decorations. However, as you unveil your friendly neighborhood skeleton, it might be crucial to consider the materials utilized to make them. Some plastic skeletons may contain harmful gasses collected during manufacturing and emitted into your premises. Ensure that any plastic decorations you get do not have these gasses. Moreover, properly ventilate your home just in case some harmful gasses sneak in.
- Scented Candles
Scented candles are a beautiful addition to your home and bring all sorts of magnificent scents. However, if your candles consist of paraffin wax, they also emit toxic chemicals that spread all over your home right under your nose. A good alternative would be to use beeswax, a natural component in making your scented candles.
- Pumpkins
It is not quite Halloween until you and your loved ones have carved a pumpkin. However, if your pumpkin is not well preserved, it could grow moldy. The mold would then emit spores into your home, which might take your breath away but not quite the way you'd like. A great way to combat this is by spraying it using a bleach and water mixture outdoors and then leaving it to dry. The solution is a homemade preservative that allows you to use your pumpkin for more time.
- Dusty Christmas Decorations From the Attic
Your Christmas decorations have been collecting dust in the attic for most of the year. More so if they are stored in cardboard boxes. Dust is a dangerous allergen to be avoided at all costs. Therefore, it would be wise to unbox the decorations outdoors and immediately dispose of the boxes. Alternative storage could be in airtight containers cleaned periodically to avoid dust accumulation.
- Christmas Trees
When the Christmas spirit strikes, you might choose to go the natural route and find an evergreen conifer to cut down. One could hardly blame you, as they are a thing of beauty. However, your Christmas tree releases pollen, which may be an allergen for some of your loved ones. It is also possible that your Christmas tree may have mold if it grows in damp conditions.
A good substitute would be to get an artificial tree, be careful to get one made with non-toxic material. You have the added advantage of being able to use it again next year.
Finding Caregivers for Your Elderly Loved Ones Over the Fall and Winter
As you go about your festivities, you may require help caring for your senior loved ones. You need not look further than Senior Helpers Evansville (HIH). We offer in-home care services across Evansville, Newburgh, Mount Vernon, and Boonville.
Our services range from companion care for seniors who need daily assistance to specialized care for those with Alzheimer's, Dementia, and other chronic illnesses. Contact Senior Helpers Evansville (HIH) today to inquire further about our services.