After I learned that I was living with a serious health problem, I knew that recovery would become an important part of my life. To make things easier, I started talking with my doctor about my options. He recommended working with a home health care company, and it was really cool to see how much it helped. They came to my home and worked with me, and day by day, I got a little bit better. After going through that experience, I knew that I wanted to spread the word about home health care. Check out this website for great information.
If you're like most people who work in home health care, you already know that many senior citizens and others who use home health care services depend on their caregivers to provide a front line perspective to any household issues that may pose a health and safety threat to those in your care. For instance, you're probably the first to notice if the refrigerator isn't running properly and food isn't being kept chilled at a safe level. Another potential danger to be on the alert for is the presence of household mold.
Because immune systems tend to become weaker with age, senior citizens may be more susceptible to health risks posed by household mold than their younger counterparts. Following are four signs that it's time to call a mold removal service that every caregiver should be aware of:
A Distinct Musty Odor
Mold infestations often emit a telltale musty odor. Unfortunately, mold colonies have usually developed to significant size before they start to smell, so the presence of this odor often means that conditions may have become serious. If the odor returns after giving the home a thorough cleaning and airing, it's time to contact a mold removal specialist.
Unexplained Peeling or Blistering Paint
Peeling, blistering, or otherwise warped paint that appears for no known reason can be a sign of the presence of growing mold colonies under the surface. The reason this happens is that moisture builds up on the walls as the result of high levels of atmospheric humidity. Water damage from leaks or other causes can also lead to mold infestations in the underlying drywall.
The Presence of Visible Mold Spores
Although this is the most obvious sign that mold is part of the picture, it's also often the one that people tend to miss the most. This is largely because mold tends to prefer dark and damp locations instead of areas in the home with high visibility. Checking for visible signs behind water-using appliances such as washing machines and water heaters as well as behind toilets and around tubs, showers, and sinks on a regular basis helps catch mold infestations in the early stages when it can be treated more easily.
Unexplained Symptoms
Symptoms of mold allergies often mimic those of hay fever or a cold. If unexplained coughing, wheezing, sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes occurs, it may be due to the presence of household mold. If symptoms persist after a cold, flu, or allergies to substances such as pollen and pet dander have been ruled out, it's time to have the home inspected for mold.