Wound Treatment
As we age, our bodies' remarkable healing abilities become compromised. Minor injuries that healed fast when we were younger can become persistent wounds in our old age. For seniors, wounds can be caused by falls, scrapes, or underlying health conditions like diabetes. If your loved one is dealing with a non-healing wound(s), they can find help at Life Care at Home. We offer expert in-house wound care elderly services designed to reduce pain or discomfort, promote healing, and improve quality of life.
What Is Our Wound Treatment Service?
Wound care is a specialized treatment typically provided by hospice care facilities. It focuses on cleaning, infection prevention, and promoting a moist environment for different types of wounds.
Occasionally, these are wounds that fail to heal quickly without supervision or do not begin healing within two to six weeks. At Life Care at Home, our wound care elderly services start by identifying the type of wound, which can either be acute or chronic.
Acute Wounds are new injuries caused by falls, bumps, skin tears, scrapes, cuts, etc. Such wounds can heal on their own; however, if not treated properly, seniors are particularly vulnerable to infections due to a weakened immune system. Treatment for acute wounds typically involves cleaning the wound, applying appropriate dressings, and monitoring for signs of infection.
Chronic Wounds are those that fail to heal properly and may develop from seemingly minor incidents. They often arise from inflamed and infected diabetic ulcers or pressure sores from prolonged immobility. Other causes include infections, severe inflammation, radiation therapy side effects, and surgical complications.
Chronic wounds in the elderly can also be worsened by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a difficult-to-treat antibiotic-resistant staph infection. A senior with a chronic wound requires specialized care to manage infection. Treatment may involve hospitalization and the use of strong antibiotics for better outcomes.
Why Is Proper Wound Treatment So Important?
Wounds may seem minor for children and young adults due to their regenerative healing processes. Nonetheless, even minor wounds can become serious health concerns for seniors due to their weakened immune systems.
The skin's degeneration and impaired healing processes in older adults can lead to complications like gangrene, a common infection among individuals over 70. Gangrene can happen in any body area but mostly affects the extremities, such as toes and fingers.
Untreated gangrene can spread and result in amputation or even death. Ensuring your elderly loved one receives professional wound care can prevent related complications and increase the likelihood of successful healing.
Wound Care Elderly Treatment Services at Life Care at Home
Life Care at Home caregivers are trained in various wound care techniques to ensure your loved one receives the highest-quality care possible. We work with your loved one's physician to develop a care plan addressing their needs.
In addition to wound care, our facility in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago offers multiple services to support seniors in living healthy, fulfilling lives at home. These include:
Medication Management: We can help ensure your loved one takes their medications correctly and on time, including offering helpful medication reminders and managing refills.
Personal Care: We can assist with bathing, dressing, and in-home meal preparation, among other daily living activities.
Companionship: We provide companionship to help reduce loneliness and isolation.
Light Housekeeping: We can help keep your loved one's home clean and safe.
Senior Transportation: We provide reliable transportation for your loved one to relieve stress from errands and doctor appointments.
Post-Surgery Recovery: Our caregivers ensure a smooth recovery at home by assisting with medication, wound care, housekeeping, and meals.
The goal is to ensure seniors can live comfortably and independently while receiving the loving care they need. Please call us at (773) 753–4582 for more information about our wound care services.