Or -
SeniorCare Options
Geriatric Care Management for
the Metro Atlanta Area Assisting medically frail seniors,
Disabled adults,
& their Caregivers.
Hel
www.seniorcareopt.com
Monthly Newsletter
770-579-9177
August is National Immunization
Awareness Month – Let’s talk
Shingles!
The CDC recommends multiple vaccinations for
people throughout their adult life. Vaccines work with a
body’s natural immune response to reduce risk of
contracting serious diseases and their complications while protecting one’s
health and the health of those around them.
Within the last 10 years, the FDA approved and licensed a vaccine called
Zostavax to assist with Herpes Zoster – most commonly known as Shingles.
Shingles is a painful, blistering, localized skin rash that is caused by the
same virus which causes chickenpox. Once someone has had chickenpox,
the virus remains in the nerve cells of the body and will often lie dormant for
a number of years.
With increased age over 50, emotional or psychological stress, or certain
types of medical conditions and medications that keep the immune system
from working properly (such as cancers or long-term use of steroids) – the
immune system can weaken and cause the virus to no longer be
suppressed. Once released, the virus can develop into Shingles.
Approximately 1 million Americans are diagnosed with Shingles annually –
and some have multiple episodes in their lifetime.
The associated rash typically affects one side of the face or body and often
appears in a belt-like pattern which does not cross the midline. A person can
also experience intense pain, itching, tingling, fever, headache, chills, and
upset stomach. About a quarter of all cases involve the eye, which – if
untreated – can cause chronic inflammation, pain, and loss of vision. The
rash tends to heal in 3-5 weeks – however, about 13% of people experience
a serious complication called Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN) which can
cause severe and debilitating pain, numbness, tingling, or itching that can
last months or years.
If diagnosed and started early, shingles can be treated with antivirals to
shorten its length and severity. For generalized comfort from symptoms, one
can use OTC or prescribed pain medication, wet compresses, oatmeal
baths, and wear loose-fitting cotton clothing.
The ONLY way to reduce the risk of Shingles is to be vaccinated. The
vaccination helps to keep the virus “in check” and can reduce occurrence by
about 50% and PHN by about 65%. The once-per-lifetime dose vaccination
is recommended by the CDC everyone over 60 – unless allergic to the
vaccination’s components, have an immune-compromising condition, or are
undergoing treatments that affect the immune system. It is important to
speak to one’s doctor to see if the vaccination is appropriate.
Resources Available
CDC – Adult Immunization Schedules
Includes printable schedules – as well as SmartPhone and interactive tool
download regarding all recommended immunizations for those 18 and older.
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/adult.html
For additional information regarding Zostavax, please see Merck’s website at
www.zostavax.com
For financial assistance regarding this vaccination, please see the Merck
Vaccine Patient Assistance Program - http://www.merckhelps.com/VPAP/
Support Group Information
Lacy Doremus, LMSW, C-ASWCM, facilitates a monthly caregiver support group at
7pm at Presbyterian Village - conference room between Hearthstone and Wellness
center. The address is 2000 E West Connector Austell, GA and meetings are held the
last Tuesday of each month at 7pm.
Lisa Meeks, CMC, CTRS, facilitates a monthly spousal caregiver support group on the
third Thursday at noon at Arbor Terrace East Cobb – private dining room. The address
is 886 Johnson Ferry Rd. Marietta, GA. RSVPs are required and should be provided to
Arbor Terrace at 770-977-4420 - as complimentary lunch is served.
Lisa also facilitates a monthly spousal support group at Arbor Terrace of Crabapple on
the first Tuesday each month at noon – private dining room. The address is 12200
Crabapple Rd. Alpharetta, GA. RSVPs are required and should be provided to Arbor
Terrace at 678-894-7803 - as complimentary lunch is served.
Information about SeniorCare Options
SeniorCare Options is a team of Certified Professional Geriatric Care
Managers throughout the Metro-Atlanta area. Our team consists of Master’s
level clinicians in the fields of counseling, social work, and therapeutic
recreation – as well as registered nursing. Our backgrounds are vast and
specific to the presenting clinical needs of our clients and their families who
are in periods of transition, have chronic or difficult-to-manage conditions,
and who require increased guidance. Our interdisciplinary focus, extensive
experience, and heightened sensitivity to their specific needs prove to be an
incredible asset to families faced with the maze of options and care needs.
For more information regarding Geriatric Care Management services, our
support groups, or to inquire about requesting services for someone under
your care through SeniorCare Options, please do not hesitate to contact us
at: 770-579-9177 or brandih@seniorcareopt.com.
SeniorCare Options August 2014