The Importance of Proper Wound Care

Wound care is a critical component of the wound management process. Wounds that are poorly managed can turn into chronic wounds, which can lead to a significant financial and physical burden.

The caregivers at Gentle Shepherd Home Care in Colorado Springs believe in a patient-centered approach to wound care focused on promoting healing and preventing complications. We believe in communicating with you and your loved one to ensure the best results possible when it comes to wound care. We offer a variety of other in-home senior care services as well.

In this article, we’ll explain proper wound care.

Why is Proper Wound Care Important?

Wound care is important because it reduces the risk of infection, speeds up the healing process, and minimizes scarring.  

Reduces infection risk: regularly changing the bandages/dressings reduces the risk of infection and other complications. By changing the dressings, observing the healing progress, and noting the smell, discharge, and temperature of the wound, a caregiver can make critical decisions regarding the patient’s care.

Speeds up healing: many people believe that a wound should be bandaged and left alone, but this is detrimental to healing and can lead to additional complications. A wound should be cared for regularly, not left alone.

Minimizes scarring: by keeping the wound soft with antibiotic ointments and other treatments, hard scabs cannot form which reduces the risk of scarring.

Managing Chronic Wounds

A chronic wound, also known as a non-healing wound, is one that has not healed within 90 days. If you have a chronic wound, treatment options include:

• Debridement
• Cleaning with a saline solution
• Moist dressings to keep the wound soft
• Compression stockings if the wound is due to poor circulation
• Antibiotics
• Hyperbaric therapy
• Ultrasound/electromagnetic therapy
• Negative pressure wound therapy

If a wound still will not heal, additional medical care may be required.

Managing Multiple Wounds

If a patient has multiple wounds, the same wound care principles apply and should be done for each wound.

Bathing with Wounds Present

If your loved one has exposed bones or sutures, the wound should be kept dry. In most cases, as long as the wound is not exposed to water under pressure, bathing with wounds present is okay. If they are unable to bathe on their own, a sponge bath is best but if they are able to stand up and shower on their own, the wound can be covered with a plastic bag to keep it dry.

Gentle Shepherd Home Care Can Help with Wound Management

If you or a loved one has a wound that will not heal or if you need help recovering after sustaining a wound, whether through an accident, surgery, or other means, let the professional caregivers from Gentle Shepherd Home Care help. We have the experience and expertise to provide proper wound care to ensure the best outcome possible.