Wound care is an essential part of in-home care for seniors recovering from surgery and those who have underlying health conditions that increase their risk for ulcers and other skin problems. Care To Stay Home offers at-home wound care in Spokane and surrounding cities as part of our specialty services. Our caregivers are trained to dress, clean, and monitor wounds for telltale signs of infection.
What Causes Wounds?
The skin is the body’s largest organ, serving as a protective barrier against germs and the elements. The skin is resilient, but it’s still susceptible to wounds, ulcers, and other problems. Wounds can occur from different causes, including:
- Accidents
- Surgical procedures
- Underlying health conditions
A fall can result in cuts and abrasions, while chronic conditions like diabetes can lead to the formation of slow-healing ulcers. No matter what their cause, a wound requires prompt attention.
Wounds can easily go unnoticed, especially when a person is bedbound. Sensory impairments, such as nerve damage, can also hinder a person’s ability to detect wounds. What starts as a minor wound can quickly escalate if left untreated. Wounds that become infected may need to be treated with antibiotics.
An ideal time to check for wounds or ulcers is while dressing or bathing. If your loved one requires assistance with these activities, our in-home caregivers will check for wounds or signs of skin problems.
Non-Surgical Wounds
Not all wounds are from surgery or an injury or accident. Some wounds are caused by chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or venous insufficiency. Common types of wounds related to underlying health conditions include:
- Neuropathic wounds
- Pressure ulcers
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Venous ulcers
Thinning skin, a common problem among seniors and the elderly, can also lead to wounds. Proper skin care can help prevent cuts, tears, and abrasions that can lead to infection.
What Is Wound Care?
The goal of wound care is to prevent complications and promote healing. Our in-home caregivers help with wound care by cleaning and dressing wounds.
This may involve gently irrigating the wound with a sterile solution to remove debris, bacteria, and any foreign objects. If your loved one has recently undergone surgery, we will closely follow any wound care instructions provided by their healthcare team.
In addition to treating existing wounds, our in-home caregivers will continuously monitor your loved one for telltale signs of wounds and ulcers, which can include irritation, redness, or changes in skin texture.
Getting enough daily movement, taking medications on time and as prescribed, and good skin care practices can all help prevent ulcers and wounds—especially those related to chronic health conditions such as diabetes and venous insufficiency.
By identifying potential issues early on, caregivers can help prevent minor wounds from escalating into more significant problems that require antibiotics or other interventions.
Get Help with At-Home Wound Care in Spokane
Care to Stay Home offers wound care in Spokane as part of our in-home caregiver services. We offer a range of in-home services for seniors, including daily living care, post-surgical care, stroke recovery care, dementia and Alzheimer’s care, and respite care for loved ones.
Our caregivers are carefully selected and screened to ensure your loved one gets the high level of care they deserve. Learn more about our daily living and specialty care services and get in touch with our helpful team for a comprehensive in-home assessment.