VISITING ANGELS TOMS RIVER, NJ 732-240-1050
Facebook YouTube X Instagram LinkedIn
Managing Shingles in the Elderly

Managing Shingles in the Elderly

Remember the painful, irritating itch of chickenpox as a child? Unfortunately, one of three American adults will experience a second outbreak of the same virus in their lifetimes. When this infection returns, it’s called “shingles.”

The elderly, who are at particular risk for contracting shingles, should be closely monitored by a caregiver if an outbreak occurs. If left untreated, shingles side effects could become serious.

What are Shingles?

Shingles is a viral infection initiated by the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox. After a successful recovery from chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the human nervous system for the rest of one’s life. It can reactivate and inflame a specific section of the nerves in the body. Any adult that has had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles.

Symptoms of shingles include the following:

  • A rash in a single stripe on one side of the body or face
  • Fluid-filled blisters along the rash
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Upset stomach

Shingles symptoms usually last about two to four weeks in total. Pain, numbness or itching will start to affect a specific part of the skin. After roughly two weeks, a red, blotchy rash appears with fluid-filled blisters. In seven to 10 days, the blisters begin to dry up and form a crust. The rash will then slowly disappear.

While it isn’t known exactly what causes an outbreak, shingles are linked to a weakened immune system. Therefore, the elderly are at higher risk for shingles, which is more severe in older adults than in the young.

Shingles in the Elderly

For those who are 60 or older, shingles is more dangerous, and the risk increases with age. Anyone taking drugs to support chemotherapy or after an organ transplant is at a higher risk of developing or resisting shingles. On rare occasions, shingles can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, difficulty with balance, or blindness.

The most common complication of shingles is long-term nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). The pain continues in the areas where the shingles rash occurred, long after the rash is gone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 10 to 18% of people with shingles will also experience PHN, and the risk increases with age.

Nerve pain can continue for months or even years after an episode of shingles. The pain can be so severe and debilitating, a doctor may need to prescribe medication to manage discomfort.

In-Home Care and Recovery for Shingles Sufferers

Vaccination is available to protect against the onset of shingles. For those who have already contracted shingles, a restful and supportive environment is essential. The discomfort may affect a person’s ability to think clearly and complete daily tasks. For the elderly living at home, a professional home care provider, such as Visiting Angels, could help monitor the recovery process, especially if a senior lives far from family and needs long-distance home care.

As soon as the symptoms of shingles are suspected (i.e. a localized itch on one side of the body or face), it is important to seek a doctor’s advice for treatment. Several antiviral medicines are available that may shorten the length and severity of the virus.

Beyond antiviral medication prescribed by a doctor, there are a few things that can be done to help relieve the uncomfortable and annoying symptoms of shingles, including:

  • Pain medication
  • Wet compresses
  • Loose-fitting clothes
  • Calamine lotion
  • Lukewarm oatmeal baths

A trained in-home caregiver could tend to all these needs, while also ensuring the senior is getting enough food and rest to make a complete recovery. With close care and attention, the potential harm of a case of shingles can be kept to a minimum.

Note: The information above shouldn't be considered medical advice and replace a consultation with a doctor or health care professional.

Serving The Greater Toms River- Brick area and communities throughout Ocean County

Visiting Angels TOMS RIVER, NJ
74 Brick Blvd #109A
Brick, NJ 08723
Phone: 732-240-1050
Fax: 732-240-0702

Serving The Greater Toms River- Brick area and communities throughout Ocean County

Visiting Angels TOMS RIVER, NJ
74 Brick Blvd #109A
Brick, NJ 08723
Phone: 732-240-1050
Fax: 732-240-0702

01-28-2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                   

Visiting Angels of Toms River Receives 2022 Best of Home Care® – Provider and Employer of Choice Awards

Brick – Visiting Angels of Toms River announced today that it has received both the 2022 Best of Home Care® – Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice Awards from Home Care Pulse. These awards are granted only to the top-ranking home care providers, based on clien tand caregiver satisfaction scores gathered by Home Care Pulse. Visiting Angels of Toms River is now ranked among a small handful of home care providers across the country who have proven their ability to provide an exceptional working experience to employees and the highest quality care to clients.

“We want to congratulate Visiting Angels of Toms River on receiving both the Best of Home Care – Provider of Choice Award and the Best of Home Care – Employer of Choice Award, ”says Todd Austin, President of Home Care Pulse. “Since these awards are based on real, unfiltered feedback from clients and caregivers, Visiting Angels of Toms River has proven their dedication to providing a great work environment and solid training to employees, while maintaining their focus on client and caregiver satisfaction. We are pleased to recognize their dedication to quality, professionalism, and expertise in home care.”

Best of Home Care providers have contracted with Home Care Pulse to gather feedback from their clients and caregivers via live phone interviews each month. Because Home Care Pulse is an independent company, it can collect honest and unbiased feedback.

“By winning both awards, we are part of a select few home care agencies in the nation.  This shows our dedication to the industry and striving to make it better every day,” says Dave Frost, Executive Director Visiting Angels of Toms River.

“At Home Care Pulse, our mission is to help home care businesses create an experience that goes beyond client and caregiver expectations,” says Todd Austin, President of Home Care Pulse. “We’re thrilled to recognize Visiting Angels of Toms River as a Best of Home Care award-winning provider and celebrate their accomplishments in building a team of happy, qualified caregivers who provide outstanding care for their clients.”

To find out more about Visiting Angels of Toms River’s commitment to excellence, please visit www.visitingangels.com/ocnj or call 732-240-1050.

About Visiting Angels- Visiting Angels is the nation's leading network of non-medical, private duty home care agencies. Licensed, bonded, and insured, we specialize in both hourly and live-in home care services for adults and seniors. From as little as 1 hour a day up to full 24-hour service, Visiting Angels provide both short, and long- term home care throughout Ocean County New Jersey. Staying Home is still the # 1 preferred choice by seniors. Simply call us to learn more about our service and how we can accommodate your individual needs. Our professionally trained staff at Visiting Angels is always available to answer your questions.732-240-1050

About Home Care Pulse

Home Care Pulse leads the home care industry in experience management, online training, and review management. Through its Care Intelligence Platform, HCP empowers home care providers to attract and retain caregivers even during a historic caregiver shortage. HCP also conducts the annual Home Care Benchmarking Study, the most comprehensive survey of home care providers in North America and administers the annual Best of Home Care awards to agencies that achieve best-in-class client and caregiver satisfaction scores. For more information, visit https://www.homecarepulse.com/.