Shingles can be a miserable and even dangerous condition for an elderly adult to have. Coming from the same virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella zoster virus, shingles causes a red, blistering rash that can cause severe pain and itching and last for several weeks. If not handled properly, a shingles virus that occurs on the face can spread into the eye and lead to eye damage and even blindness. If you are a family caregiver for one of the 1 million people throughout the United States who will develop this condition each year, the care that you give to them will make a tremendous difference in how they get through the condition and their healing.
Use these tips to help you care for a senior who is suffering from shingles:
- Stay in close contact with their doctor. It is very important to give your parent consistent, dedicated medical care when they are dealing with this virus. They should get to the doctor as soon as they start noticing symptoms of the virus and remain in contact with them throughout the course of the illness. If you notice their symptoms changing or worsening, get in touch with the doctor to ensure that they continue to get the medical care that they need
- Keep them compliant. Offer your parent reminders to help them stay compliant with their prescriptions, guidelines, and recommendations offered by their doctor. This includes reminding them to take any medications when and how they are meant to, and following the lifestyle guidelines that will ease their symptoms and help prevent worsening of their condition
- Manage symptoms carefully. Ease pain and itching in your parent’s rash by encouraging them to take cool baths and showers. They can also apply cool compresses to the area when needed. If possible, reduce the amount of stress that they are experiencing in their life, as high levels of stress are known to cause shingles to develop or to worsen.
If you have noticed that the challenges of caring for your elderly parent have become too extensive for you to handle comfortably and confidently, your schedule has changed and limited your ability to manage your parent’s needs, or your parent’s needs have increased, now may be the ideal time for you to start home care for them. An in-home senior care services provider can be with your elderly parent on a schedule that is right for them and their needs, allowing you to care for them as much as is right for you and your elderly loved one. This enables them to receive a highly personalized set of services that will help them to stay safe, healthy, comfortable, and happy throughout their later years while also supporting their mental and emotional well-being, and as much independence as possible. If your elderly loved one is suffering from a serious health issue such as shingles this care provider can be invaluable. They can help your parent to remain compliant with their medications and other treatments through meaningful reminders, encourage healthy lifestyle choices, and keep you informed of their health and well-being so that you can make the decisions that are right for their ongoing treatment and care.
If you are considering home care in Bellville, Ohio, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161. Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, Mt. Gilead, Loudonville, Crestline, Galion, Shelby, Ashland, Wooster, and the surrounding areas.
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/basics/definition/con-20019574
https://www.cdc.gov/features/shingles/
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