For The Elderly, Shingles May Require Elder Care

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Many people know that some ailments impact the elderly more significantly than they impact younger people. Shingles is one of those issues, and the highly contagious disease commonly pops up in elderly individuals, causing serious concerns.

Shingles are much more than a rash. It's a serious and painful ailment that can to serious issues for seniors. For this reason, many people who suffer from shingles rely on elder care services for assistance. This is what you need to know.

Isn't Shingles Just a Version of Chicken Pox?

Yes, it's true that shingles and chickenpox come from the same virus. Still, it can still be much more dangerous than chickenpox, especially when it impacts elderly individuals. It also impacts the elderly significantly because they may rely on the care of their loved ones. If their loved ones don't have the time to provide care, they may need to rely on in-home elder care.

What Are the Symptoms of Shingles?

Shingles have a variety of symptoms. Most people get a rash on one side of the body or on the face or scalp. The rash may be accompanied by a fever, headache, pain, chills, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. It can also come with nerve pain and serious damage. Seniors with shingles may need additional help with mobility, feeding, washing, and other routine activities. In-home elder care can provide this extra assistance.

What Are the Lasting Implications of Shingles?

In some cases, shingles can cause permanent or long-lasting nerve pain. Shingles attack your nerves even after you no longer have a rash, and the complication can last for a long time. For seniors, this can be devastating. It may require more frequent trips to the doctor, which can be difficult for families to provide. In-home elder care sometimes provides necessary transportation to these appointments.

What Should You Do If You Have Shingles?

If a senior has shingles, they need to be cared for properly. Elder care is crucial for those who are impacted by serious illnesses. Looking into elder care options is a good idea for those who want assistance with medication, providing comfort, and transportation.

Elder Care Is Essential

Individuals with shingles may need more assistance than you are able to offer at this time. This is where elder care comes in. Extra care allows you to manage your household and work while your loved one receives the assistance they need, even after shingles is gone.

For more information, reach out to a local in-home elder care service.

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25 August 2020

assisted living following a stroke

When my mom had a stroke, I knew that things were never going to be the same. We were very fortunate that she lived so close to the hospital and that the neighbor was there visiting when it happened, because the outcome is not as bad as it could have been. Unfortunately, she needed a lot of extra care while she worked to recover from the damage that was done. I found a wonderful assisted living facility to place her in to get the help that she needed. If you have a loved one that has recently experienced the same thing, my blog could be quite helpful for you.