Elder Care in Bellville OH
There is nothing more irritating and upsetting than the intrusion of unwanted guests, especially when those guests are rodents and/or insects that are invading the home of your loved one. It is not only irritating when these pests invade your loved ones home, but it is also unsafe. Rodents can chew through walls, insects can infest the furniture and both can attack your loved ones, their clothing and their food. This can lead to unsanitary conditions for your loved one, because these pests carry bacteria and germs that can be dangerous to seniors. Unfortunately, many seniors may not be aware they have a pest problem or they are unsure of how to handle the problem. As caregivers, it is important to ensure your loved one is in a safe and healthy environment, so ensuring their home is pest free is critical. Here are some of the most common pests and the possible health risks they pose.
Cockroaches
Seniors are especially sensitive to cockroach allergens, which can significantly increase the severity of asthma symptoms. These allergens are commonly brought into homes through cockroach droppings, saliva and the decomposing bodies of roaches. Cockroaches also carry bacteria, such as salmonella and E coli on their bodies, which will contaminate cooking equipment, food and food surfaces.
Mice
Mice can enter a home through almost any crack or opening. It is essential that those providing senior care frequently inspect for rodent droppings, especially in areas that are not frequently used, such as pantries, along walls and under baseboards. Rodent droppings frequently cause allergic reactions in seniors, but they may also cause disease, including a fatal disease known as Hantavirus. Mice and other rodents carry bacteria, such as salmonella on their bodies, which ultimately contaminates kitchen surfaces, food sources and cooking equipment. If you suspect your loved one has a problem with mice, it is important to contact a professional pest control company to rid the home of the infestation.
Fleas
Fleas can pose a serious problem for seniors. They commonly appear during the warmer months and feed on the blood of warm-blooded bodies, including humans. Flea bites can cause itchy, unsightly marks as well as a severe allergic reaction in the elderly. If your loved one has pets, it is essential that you make sure their pet is free from fleas and that the home is routinely inspected for a flea infestation. It can be difficult to get rid of a flea infestation and they are often difficult to see, so your loved one may experience severe reactions, before recognizing the flea problem.
The best prevention is to routinely have a pest control company inspect your loved ones home. The sooner a problem with pests is discovered, the easier it will be to rectify the problem. One of the best ways to prevent the risk of a pest problem is with regular cleaning. If your loved one is unable to thoroughly clean on a regular basis, it may be beneficial to consider a home care provider to come in and assist your parent with their household chores.
If you are considering hiring elder care services near Bellville, Ohio, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161. Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Ashland, Bellville, Crestline, Galion, Loudonville, Mt. Gilead, Shelby, Wooster and the surrounding areas.
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