Shingles is a painful rash that many seniors find themselves battling. It’s caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Stress itself doesn’t cause shingles, but it sure doesn’t help. Seniors who are experiencing a lot of stress might want to find whatever ways they can to manage that stress more effectively. One option to consider is spending time with companion care at home to reduce loneliness.
Shingles and its Causes
Shingles is a viral infection which results in a painful rash on the torso. The virus is a form of the same virus that causes chickenpox in children. It remains dormant in the nervous system after infection and later reactivates as shingles. Shingles is more common in older adults because the immune system gets weaker over time. Stress is a contributing factor for shingles because it can also weaken the immune system.
Risk Factors for Shingles
Besides age and stress, seniors who already have a weakened immune system and existing health issues may be at greater risk of developing shingles. Some medications may also play a role in shingles because they suppress the immune system. Seniors should talk with their doctors about their individual risk factors for shingles.
Stress and the Immune System
The reason stress is something to consider when thinking about shingles is because stress does a number on the immune system. Chronic stress leaves the body less able to fight off infections that it might have otherwise kept under control. Stress causes an inflammatory response, which can also trigger shingles.
Managing Stress to Prevent Shingles
Finding ways to manage stress is a great thing for seniors to do even if they don’t have a big risk of developing shingles. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a great first step, including finding ways to conserve energy and get quality sleep. Home care services can help aging adults with tasks that are becoming more difficult, if that’s a factor in reducing stress.
Companion Care at Home Might Help
Emotional support and feeling heard is incredible for reducing stress, keeping loneliness at bay, and generally improving overall quality of life. Companion care at home involves caregivers visiting seniors on a regular basis and engaging in different activities with them. They might read together, watch movies, or even just sit and talk. Having someone to listen and to share stories with can be a huge stress relief, even when seniors don’t need hands-on help.
Consider Vaccinations Against Shingles
There is a shingles vaccine that seniors can take even if they’ve already had an outbreak of shingles. The vaccination doesn’t guarantee that shingles won’t erupt, but it can lessen the outbreak for seniors. Seniors should talk with their doctors about whether the shingles vaccination is a good option for them.
Stress itself isn’t a cause of shingles, but it sure doesn’t help. Finding creative solutions for reducing stress, like bringing in companion care at home, is a great idea for helping seniors be healthier and happier overall. Managing stress can have powerful health impacts with other conditions, too.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable companion care at home in Buford, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.
We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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