Home Care for shingles in the elderly
Experienced shingles care at home to help older adults manage this challenging and sometimes painful condition, with support from trained, compassionate Care Professionals.
What are shingles?
Shingles is a common infection that is connected to the chickenpox virus, which can be reactivated after being dormant in nerve cells for years. It may look like a blistered rash on the skin, usually on one side of the body, and typically causes mild to severe pain on skin that could feel like burning, tingling, itching, or sensitivity.
While it can appear in younger age groups, shingles tends to affect mostly older adults or those with a weakened immune system due to infections or other health conditions. 1 in 3 adults over age 50 are expected to get shingles in their lifetime. It can last up to 4 weeks, and there may be complications that cause more long-lasting pain, but if treated early enough, older people can make a full and speedy recovery from shingles.
Why is shingles often worse for older adults?
Older adults tend to be more susceptible to shingles, and half of cases occur in those aged 60+. While shingles is unpleasant for anyone, it can be particularly painful for older people and can cause complications like post-herpetic neuralgia, where intense nerve pain occurs and impacts sleep, mood, and overall quality of life. Research suggests one month after shingles begins, 9-14.3% of patients develop post-herpetic neuralgia, and after one year, 3% may continue to experience pain.
Other possible complications of shingles include:
- The rash spreading to your eyes and affecting your vision
- The rash becoming infected
- Scarring from the rash or changes in skin colour
- Muscle weakness, and nerves on the face or near the ear being affected
Do I need care to recover from shingles?
Some people will develop a mild form of shingles that can be managed alone, but others (sometimes older people) may need support to recover if symptoms are serious or if complications develop. Remember, for an older person, daily pain and discomfort can make things like getting dressed and eating more challenging, so home care can help with things like:
- Medication management
- Wound care for the rash
- Monitoring for complications
- Providing support for post-herpetic neuralgia
- Providing emotional support if shingles causes additional anxiety or depression
Home care can provide a helpful mix of practical assistance and emotional support for shingles, as well as ensuring an older person gets proper rest and nutrition during recovery.
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
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Home Instead have an experienced caring team that far exceeds in quality anything we experienced from other agencies at this point of service.Steve, Client
Home Instead provide first class care. My care professionals are patient, kind and very reliable. I am very happy with the service they provide.Paul, Client
I have had my care from Home Instead for almost ten years and things just keep getting better. I can’t praise them enough.Kevan, Client
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How to get started arranging shingles support
If you or a loved one has recently developed shingles that has become severe, it is best that you speak to a GP to inform them of the situation and discuss any possible treatments. These might include medications such as antiviral medications. Once you have the initial condition under control, it may help to have home care provide either visiting care or live-in care, depending on how severe and long-lasting the symptoms are.
Our friendly Care Professionals offer flexible, compassionate care at home to help with the physical symptoms of shingles, and the emotional toll this can take. Shingles can be a debilitating condition for many older adults, but our caregivers can offer the support needed to make recovery easier.
Why Home Instead?
Our Care Professionals are trained in a number of health conditions, so if you or a loved one is struggling with shingles, we will aim to pair you with a trained caregiver who has experience caring for others with this condition, and who can make you feel at ease during the recovery process.
People with shingles may need help with everything from attending GP appointments to managing the spread of infection to relieving everyday stress in order to support recovery, so having home care could make managing this easier. We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations also rated “outstanding” by the CQC, so you can count on our expertly trained Care Professionals to support your needs and help you start to feel better.
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FAQs
What is shingles and why are elderly people at higher risk?
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster). Seniors are at higher risk because the immune system weakens with age, making it easier for the dormant virus to reactivate.
What are the symptoms of shingles in older adults?
Common symptoms include:
- A painful, blistering rash (often on one side of the body)
- Tingling, burning, or itching sensations before the rash appears
- Fever, fatigue, or headache
- Sensitivity to touch
Early treatment is important to reduce severity and complications.
Is shingles contagious?
Shingles itself is not contagious, but the virus can spread to someone who has never had chickenpox, causing them to develop chickenpox (not shingles). This can happen through direct contact with the fluid from shingles blisters. Proper hygiene and covering the rash can help prevent transmission.
What are the complications of shingles in the elderly?
Seniors are more likely to experience complications, such as:
- Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN): Long-lasting nerve pain after the rash heals.
- Vision Problems: If shingles affects the eyes.
- Infections: Blisters can become infected if not properly cared for.
Prompt treatment can help reduce the risk of these complications.
How can shingles be prevented in older adults?
The best way to prevent shingles is through vaccination. The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is highly effective and recommended for adults aged 50 and older. Maintaining a healthy immune system through proper nutrition, exercise, and stress management can also help reduce the risk.
Diane WIlliams , Head of Quality & Standards
Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.
Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.
In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.