Caring for a senior with shingles can be a challenging task along with being very time-consuming, but it is essential to help them manage their symptoms while trying to prevent any complications. Shingles can cause significant pain and discomfort to your loved one, making it very difficult for seniors to perform their normal daily activities. However, with the proper care, seniors can eventually recover from Shingles and resume their normal lives. In-home care can be essential for a senior during this period of time in their lives.
Tips For Caring for A Senior With Shingles
Shingles can cause severe pain and discomfort, making it challenging for seniors to manage their symptoms along. Over-the-counter pain relief medication can help to alleviate some of the pain, but it is important to talk to your loved one’s doctor before taking any medication.
As mentioned above, this condition can be severe and painful. While managing the condition, it is important to keep the areas where the rash is clean and dry to prevent infection. A caregiver will need to check the rash regularly and monitor any changes that may happen. If the rash becomes red, swollen, or starts to ooze, a doctor will need to be contacted as soon as possible.
A healthy and balanced diet is important for seniors with shingles to help them not only recover but also to maintain their energy levels. You will want to make sure they are consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. If they are experiencing difficulty swallowing or loss of appetite, you may want to consider consulting a nutritionist.
Shingles can make it difficult for seniors to perform personal care tasks that would typically be a normal routine for them like bathing or getting dressed. In-home caregivers can assist with these tasks, ensuring that seniors can maintain their personal hygiene while managing their symptoms.
Like with any other condition, Shingles can cause complications, such as vision or hearing problems, nerve damage, and skin infections. A caregiver will need to monitor their loved one’s symptoms to make sure there are not any complications that may arise.
Seniors with shingles are more vulnerable to other infections due to their weakened immune systems. Caregivers need to ensure their living space is clean and orderly so that it reduces the risks for any other infections to occur.
Shingles can be physically and emotionally draining, and it is essential to encourage seniors to rest and avoid overexertion. However, it is also important to encourage them to engage in light physical activity, such as walking, to prevent blood clots and improve circulation.
Why In-Home Care is Important for Seniors with Shingles
Seniors with shingles should consider getting in-home care for several reasons. First, shingles can cause significant pain and discomfort, making it difficult to perform daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and cooking. In-home caregivers can assist with these tasks, ensuring that seniors can continue to live independently while managing their symptoms.
Caring for a senior with shingles requires a lot of patience, attention, and love from the caregivers. In-home care can provide your loved one that is suffering from shingles with the support they need to manage their condition and reduce the risk for complications. With proper care and attention, seniors can recover from shingles and resume their normal activities.
Home Care Matters Provides Award-Winning, Trusted Home Care in Bibb, Butts, Crawford, Henry, Houston, Jones, Lamar, Monroe, Spalding, and Upson Counties. Call today: (478)-994-9535.
We serve the towns of Forsyth, Macon, McDonough, Griffin, Jonesboro, Roberta, Barnesville, Gray, Thomaston, and Jackson.
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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