Why Do Older Adults Need Senior Chronic Wound Care?
If you have a chronic wound, you know it is a nuisance. It requires extensive time and attention. In many cases, these wounds are unsightly.
But did you know they can also be dangerous?
If bacteria get into the wound and are allowed to fester, the surrounding tissue can die. Without treatment, this can lead to blood poisoning.
This is one reason why older adults need senior chronic wound care.
At Brook Stone, we’re pleased to provide experienced, expert care in treating these wounds.
We’ll take a look at why senior chronic wound care is so important, why so many older Americans have non-healing wounds, and how we can help treat these.
Why Do Older Adults Need Senior Chronic Wound Care?
Non-healing wounds affect seniors more than others in the general population. According to the American Journal of Managed Care, many health conditions that are associated with aging put older adults at greater risk for chronic wounds. These conditions include:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Poor nutrition
- Low weight
- Incontinence
- Impaired mobility
Your skin also changes as you age. There is a layer of fat under your skin that provides a natural padding. This padding helps protect your skin from injury. As you age, this layer becomes thinner. In addition, the outer layer of your skin thins as well. Blood vessels become fragile, which paves the way for increased bruising.
Senior Chronic Wound Care Is Important
But what does all this mean for you?
It means if you have a wound that isn’t healing, it’s vital to carefully monitor it and schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical. Your doctor can even provide some information about how you can help prevent chronic wounds from occurring.
We’ve already briefly stated some of the complications that can result from non-healing or chronic wounds. Immediate and comprehensive care is important because it not only helps you remain healthy, but it can dramatically improve your quality of life.
Brook Stone Provides Senior Chronic Wound Care Treatment
Fortunately, there are several treatment options for senior chronic wound care. Each approach will be tailored for your situation by your doctor who will work closely with our health care workers and other members of your treatment team.
Some common treatments include:
- Extensive, gentle cleaning of the wound
- Debridement, where inflamed and dead tissue is removed
- Antibiotics
- Specialized wound dressings
- Compression stockings—if the wound was caused by poor circulation
- A wound VAC, which pulls fluid out of the wound and increases blood flow
Brook Stone: Safeguarding Your Health in a Loving and Caring Community
We believe in providing each resident loving care with respect. Providing dignity is of vital importance to us. We understand how devastating and dangerous non-healing wounds can be; that’s why we provide senior chronic wound care to help ensure you stay healthy and safe from any serious complications.
Do you have a non-healing wound? Could someone you love benefit from skilled nursing care? Let us provide care for them and peace of mind for you. We can provide the care your loved one needs without them having to spend hours in a medical office waiting room.
You can easily schedule a tour to see why our residents love living at Brook Stone. Contact us today because our spaces fill quickly!