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Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Commonly known as shingles, herpes zoster is the reactivation of the varicella virus that causes chicken pox. Older persons may be infected with this latent virus after initial exposure to it in the form of chicken pox. The virus then lays dormant in the neurons until it is reactivated, often due to immunosuppression, when it appears in the form of painful vesicles or blisters along the sensory nerves. This reactivation tends to occur once in a lifetime, with repeat attacks occurring about 5% of the time (Flossos & Kostakou, 2006). Herpes zoster occurs in both men and women equally, with no specific ethnic variations, but is more common in the elderly.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing shingles are age over 55 years, stress, and a suppressed immune system. For many older women particularly, emotional or psychological stress can trigger recurrence.

Warning Signs

Signs and symptoms of herpes zoster include painful lesions that erupt on the sensory nerve path, usually beginning on the chest or face. They may appear as initially as a rash, looking much like chicken pox, often wrapping around the chest area in a band-like cluster. These weepy vesicles get pustular and crusty over several days, with healing occurring in 2-5 weeks (Kennedy-Malone et al., 2004; NINDS, 2013).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually made by viewing the appearance of the lesions and a history of onset. A scraping will confirm some type of herpes virus. The most common complaint of those with herpes zoster is the painful blisters that usually subside in 3–5 weeks (NINDS, 2013). Postherpetic neuralgia, a complication of herpes zoster, may last 6–12 months after the lesions disappear and may involve the dermatome, thermal sensory deficits, allodynia (the perception of pain where pain should not be), and/or severe sensory loss, all of which can be very distressing for the patient (Flossos & Kostakou, 2006).

Prevention

Zostavax, a vaccine for shingles, has become available, and it is recommended for all persons age 60 or older who have already had the chicken pox. A person can still get shingles even after having the vaccine, but the symptoms and complications would be less severe. The vaccine has also been approved for persons age 50 – 59, and research has shown that receiving the vaccine significantly decreases the rate of shingles in the population (NINDS, 2013; PubMed Health 2012).

Treatment

Antiviral medications (such as Acyclovir) are used to treat shingles, but must be given within 48 hours of the eruption of the lesions. Topical ointments may help with pain and itching. Pain medications, particularly acetaminophen (Tylenol), are appropriate for pain management in older adults. If a fever is present, rest and drinking plenty of fluids is suggested. Persons with pain that lasts past 6 weeks after the skin lesions are gone and that is described as sharp, burning, or constant require re-evaluation by a physician. Postherpetic neuralgia may be a long-term complication lasting years (PubMed Health, 2012).

The person should be advised to seek medical attention as soon as he or she suspects shingles, in order to receive the best results from Acyclovir. The virus will run its course, but the person is contagious while vesicles are weepy. Persons should not have direct contact (even clothing) with pregnant women, people who have not had chicken pox, other elderly persons, or those with suppressed immune systems. The older person with shingles may experience concerns with pain management and feel a sense of isolation, particularly if they live alone. Arranging for a family member or friend who does not have a high risk of infection to check on the older person at home is advisable.

Visit the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) for an informational page on Shingles at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/shingles/shingles.htm

Adapted from Mauk, K. L., Hanson, P., & Hain, D. (2014). Review of the management of common illnesses, diseases, or health conditions. In K. L. Mauk’s (Ed.) Gerontological Nursing: Competencies for Care. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Used with permission.

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By Kristen Mauk|2026-04-14T17:53:14-05:00April 17th, 2026|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

How Sleeping Incorrectly Can Affect Your Pain

When you think about your sleep, you typically think about a period of restoration and rejuvenation. Your sleep is supposed to be the time your mind and body have an opportunity to rest and repair for the next day.

What most people don’t know is that you could be sleeping incorrectly and making your pain worse instead of better.

How you could be sleeping incorrectly

You may not realize there’s a specific technique to the way you sleep. Besides, you’ve been sleeping all of your life. How could you possibly be doing it wrong?

One of the most important factors to your sleep, especially when you’re dealing with aches and pains, is your sleeping posture. Most sleepers sleep on their sides, and this can cause a lot of complications. For one thing, half of your body is crushed under the weight of the other half of your body. This can specifically target your pain points, so you’ll wake up with soreness in your shoulders, hips, and knees.

It’s not only sleeping on your side that can amplify your pain. Stomach sleepers are in an even worse position, putting undue stress on their lower backs all throughout the night, especially with thicker pillows that raise your neck up even higher.

You probably knew your sitting posture was important for your neck and back pain, but keeping proper posture while unconscious is a little more challenging to account for. Here’s how you can work on it.

What you can do to correct your sleep

If you’re a stomach sleeper, you should probably work on trying to get comfortable in other positions. It takes some time to adjust to sleeping in a new position, but it is possible to make a change. If possible, try to adjust to becoming a back sleeper. This is the best position for maintaining spinal alignment and decreasing your chances of waking up in pain.

If you’re absolutely committed to stomach or side sleeping, there are ways you can fix your technique. As a stomach sleeper, sleep with less, or no, pillows to eliminate the arching up that causes lower back pain. As a side sleeper, try to keep your body elongated rather than curled into the fetal position. This can help reduce morning pains (and snoring, too).

Author’s bio: Laurie Larson is a writer based in NC who writes on health topics.

By Jim|2026-04-14T17:54:39-05:00April 14th, 2026|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog: Adult day programs giving a new life to the adults

Those who had enjoyed a considerable amount of independence in their youth, the time has come
when they need help from others as they were migrated to old age. Life is never static, and it
keeps on changing from time to time because change is the integral and inherent part of life.
Once you cross the fancy days of your youth and step into adulthood, life becomes more
challenging than ever. It took a big leap when you get older and started calling by the people as
elderly.

The adult day care homes came up as a hope for many adults who are living a lonely and concise
life. They have given them many reasons to enjoy their adulthood, keeping aside all their worries
and tensions of life. Many daycare homes in the USA have gone to the extent of providing a
friendly and composite environment that even doesn’t get in their homes. The adult day
programs in Atlanta offer a welcoming environment to the adults by connecting them back to
mainstream society and expanding their outreach. They provide support and a needed break for
someone who cares for a loved one who is no longer independent.

Every adult is welcomed in an adult day care home.

The adult day care homes take care of every adult regardless of their religion, race, and ethnicity.
Caregivers in the Atlanta adult day care homes are not the ordinary people infect they are the one
who is not doing this just as a job but it’s is their passion and nature to help elders and share their
pain and joy. All the adults staying in the adult day care homes spent their day with loads of fun
and doing meaningful activities.

It is not that adult daycare homes only provide emotional or medical support to the adults; they
also facilitate adults by organizing musical events and taking them to cultural festivals. Some of
them hold weekly performances by local musicians and local entertainers. They also give them
the opportunity for interactions with pets and children, cooking projects, take them to nature
walks, games, parties, and yoga classes.

Who joins adult day care homes?

 Adults in their 50s – 90s with some physical or cognitive behavioral problems.
 Older adults who don’t wish to stay home alone all through the day.
 Older adults can benefit from social interaction and a structured environment.
 Adults who are abandoned by their family and they are forced to live alone.
 Adults whose children are not living with them because either for work or study, they
have to live outside the town or country.

Loads of Surprises

It is not that the adults living in the Adult Daycare homes are entirely cut off from their families
and friends. This is not the case with every adult day care home because many Adult daycare

homes provide surprise adults’ by suddenly calling their family members and close friends for a
quick meet up or gathering.

As much as adults miss their family members, their family members also miss them equivalently.

Learn and earn schemes

Money adult Daycare homes also provide learning and earn schemes to the adults who want to
do something big in their life. It doesn’t mean that if you are elder or older, your professional life
is over. Many adults are still willing to work after their retirement from their professional life.
The adult Daycare homes provide equal opportunities for adults.

By Jim|2026-03-04T09:32:51-05:00March 29th, 2026|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog: 5 Signs of Mental Health Issues for Seniors

When you’ve started to notice changes in an elderly relative, you may wonder if a mental health issue is the cause. While it is important a mental health professional diagnoses these issues, some signs exist indicating that the time has come to make an appointment.

Depression
Depression can occur for a host of reasons. Elderly individuals may be suffering from the loss of a loved one, or they may feel alienated, isolated or otherwise separated from their friends or from their interests outside of the house. Individuals who seem filled with sadness and negative emotions or who are hinting about emotional turmoil may need outpatient or inpatient treatment for depression.

Anxiety Issues/Bipolar Disorder
You may also notice that your loved ones are having heightened periods of elevation followed by periods of deep sadness. They could be suffering from bipolar disorder. Serious anxieties could begin to manifest at this age too. For example, you may notice that your elderly relatives always seem to be thinking about their own death or about expected loss of other loved ones.

Memory Loss
As people age, you may think that it is a normal occurrence for them to forget information that they would have once remembered. However, these early slips could be signs of a more serious problem that is coming into fruition. Your loved ones might now be forgetting about certain dates or social events, but these struggles could turn into failures to take medication or complete other necessary medical tasks.

Personal Care
If you notice that your loved ones are not taking care of themselves as they used to, this situation could also be a sign of mental health issues. For example, you may have noticed that your relatives are no longer brushing their teeth or bathing on a regular basis. Seeking professional help can uncover the root of the issue so that a plan of treatment can be devised.

Social Withdrawal
Your loved ones might also seem to not want to participate in social activities anymore. Whether they are constantly declining invites to attend family functions or they do not want to participate in community activities any longer, these decisions could be signs that a mental health issue is present.

As your loved ones age, you may be the lookout for physical health issues. While addressing these problems is imperative, so is watching for signs of mental health struggles. May is mental health awareness month, get involved to help bring awareness to this important cause!

By Jim|2026-03-04T09:32:35-05:00March 26th, 2026|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog: Things to Consider Before Putting Loved Ones in a Nursing Home

A nursing home is a long-term care facility, which provides 24-hour room and board with personalized healthcare services, such as nursing care, therapy, rehabilitation, and a range of other programs and treatments. Choosing a nursing home for a loved one can be stressful because it is an unknown experience with many factors to consider. Patients typically seek 24/7 care at a nursing home to address issues like:

Chronic illness
Disability
Complex medical needs
Therapy or rehabilitation
Recovery after sickness, injury, or operation
Age-related issues such as forgetfulness, need for constant supervision or medical help.

There are typically two types of services available at nursing homes: short-term rehabilitation and long-stay residential units. Choosing a long-stay facility for a parent or other relative is an important decision that ensures the loved one receives appropriate care, respect and can experience the highest level of function and good quality of life.

Four Steps to Help Choose a Nursing Home

There are approximately 691 licensed nursing homes in the state of Florida, and this represents more than 64,000 beds. Because this is such an important decision and there are hundreds of nursing homes, the selection process can be overwhelming at first. Here are some easy steps to start the selection process.

Step One: Choose a geographical area.

Select a geographical area conveniently located so that close friends and family members can visit.

Step Two: Create a shortlist.

Do some quick research and create a shortlist of facilities that appear to match the family’s goals, such as environment, programs, and different treatments or therapy.

Step Three: Perform an advanced review of the shortlist.

ov compares three nursing homes and ranks them based on overall rating, health inspections, quality, and staffing.
Ask family, friends, and coworkers that you trust if they have experience with any homes on the shortlist.
Physicians and nurses often have an inside understanding of how certain nursing homes operate. Ask your loved one’s general physician if they provide medical service at a particular nursing home and if they have a specific facility they would recommend.

Step Four: Visit the different facilities that remain on the shortlist.

If possible, visit the very hall and room where the loved one would reside.
Gain as much information as possible about the day-to-day life and activities that current residents experience.
Take note of the cleanliness of the facility, including the appearance of the staff and residents, the common area, the cafeteria, bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen.
Take note of the atmosphere in the facility. Is it calm and caring or chaotic and unfriendly? Do the residents appear to be cared for, have activities they are engaging in, or do they look unkempt, bored, or secluded?
Ask to meet with the nurses and staff who work in the hall where the loved one will reside. Jot down the names of the providers and caregivers and check online to see if there are any positive or negative reviews.
Visit the cafeteria at dinner time or the common area during the day. Taste the food and talk to some residents to get their opinion.
Ask to observe any special sessions taking place like crafts, yoga, or game day.

Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Suggestions

Experienced nursing home abuse attorney James Hannon, Esq. understands that choosing to place a loved one in a nursing home is a meaningful, life-changing event. He recommends that the family thoroughly investigate the facility to discover prior reports of neglect, abuse, or lawsuits and visit the nursing home of choice at different times to observe:

Interactions

Look for positive and negative interactions. Watch for staff speaking to one another or residents with disrespect.

Cleanliness

When you visit the facility on different days and different times, does it always smell clean?

Maintenance

Touch the bedding, doors, and chairs to see if the facility is comfortable and well maintained.

Schedule

Stop in to see if the staff members are following the posted schedule.

Safety

Observe day-to-day interactions to see if the staff are following safety guidelines, such as confirming the patient’s name, the drug, and dosage before giving medication.

Security

Is the property secure? Is there a security staff member on-site? Do the doors lock at certain hours. Is the parking lot well lit?

Conclusion

As you consider your options, remember that choosing a nursing facility is an important decision. Take the time to research and visit several facilities so that you can confidently place your loved one in a loving, safe environment.

By Jim|2026-03-04T09:32:21-05:00March 23rd, 2026|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

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