Severe wounds can cause pain, limited mobility, infection, and even permanent damage to the skin, muscles, tendons, and underlying bones. Wounds that may require treatment include those caused by high blood sugar levels known as stasis ulcers, and decubitus ulcers, which are caused by excessive pressure on certain areas of the body.
Seniors with skin wounds need access to treatments and healthcare monitoring to help promote healing and lower the risk for wound-related complications such as infection. Here are some interventions a senior home health care provider can offer to help promote wound healing.
Carry Out The Physician's Orders
If the elderly individual's physician has prescribed treatment orders for their wounds, the senior home health care provider can carry out those orders. Many seniors who live alone are unable to perform their own wound care, which can result in wound progression and infections.
Treatments that caregiver services professionals can implement include cleansing the wound with the prescribed antiseptic, applying medicated ointments to the wound, and covering the wound with the prescribed dressing.
The caregiver can also administer oral antibiotics to the senior if the doctor has prescribed them to treat a wound-related infection. In addition, for wound patients with limited mobility, the senior home health care provider can assist with physical therapy and range of motion exercise to further help promote circulation to the affected areas to help speed healing.
Ensure Optimal Dietary Intake
Another important intervention a senior home health care professional can provide for a person with wounds is to ensure optimal nutritional intake. The caregiver services professional can prepare nutritious foods high in vitamin C and lean proteins, which can help enhance collagen production and promote wound healing. Nutrient-dense foods may also help support a robust immune system while encouraging blood flow to diabetic-related stasis ulcers and pressure wounds.
The senior home health care provider can also monitor the individual's nutritional intake and weight. If weight loss is noted, they can notify the physician who may recommend supplemental nutritional shakes fortified with vitamins, minerals, protein, and essential amino acids to further enhance the wound healing process.
If you or an elderly loved one is struggling with wound care, contact a caregiver services agency to learn about interventions to help promote healing. Once you have all the information that you need, you can then set up an in-home meeting with the caregiver to further discuss their wound care services.
Share