By Jess McMullin, Heddington Oaks
Skin is your first and most effective line of defense. It’s the one organ that constantly comes into contact with the rest of the world. It holds body fluids in to prevent dehydration, and keeps harmful microbes out to protect against infections. Furthermore, your skin is loaded with nerve endings that help you feel danger signs like extreme heat, cold, and pain.
As your body’s largest organ by size, it is vital to keep your skin as healthy as possible. This becomes increasingly important with age. As a fetus, our skin is highly regenerative. Healing a skinned knee as a child is virtually scar-free. However, as a person gets older, skin tends to become thinner, and loses moisture and connective tissue support.
The repair mechanism of skin is further compromised by decreased blood flow in seniors, and a reduced rate of cell turnover in the epidermis (outer layer of skin). Healing a wound takes much more time and care. Without vigilant attention and proper care, a simple cut or inflammation can escalate into a more serious problem.
Thus, caring for wounds of the elderly naturally differs from those of younger ones. It is further exacerbated by other physical and mental complications. Many times, older persons also suffer from hearing and vision deterioration; this affects their ability to assess the healing progress, change wound dressings, and understand instructions from their physicians.
As people grow older, they become more susceptible to other diseases, which put them at high risk of developing chronic skin wounds. These wounds are often complicated by pain and infection, requiring a short stay in a local skilled care nursing home.
Often patients have limited mobility and are unable to move themselves while seated or in a bed. The constant friction and pressure can worsen the severity of a wound and cause ulcers and bedsores.
“Preventing and treating arterial and venous ulcers is one of our biggest concerns,” says Nikki Fancher, a Restorative Wound Nurse. With many residents in wheelchairs, Fancher explains, “These ulcers can develop quickly from a lack of blood flow to the legs. It’s important to keep moving.”
Nearly all wounds can be treated with proper diagnosis and management. In addition to medical treatment, Fancher stresses the importance of nutrition in healing wounds, “A breakdown in the skin is the first thing you’ll see when an elderly person is not eating correctly,” says Fancher. At Heddington Oaks, Fancher works hand-in-hand with their full-time dietitian to make sure residents are getting enough protein and other essential nutrients in their diets.
Wound care in nursing homes has always been a big concern. However, with recent changes in Medicare, the challenge is rising. Based on revised guidelines, patients are being released more quickly from the hospitals into recovery care. The majority of elderly patients make a short stay at a skilled care nursing home for rehabilitation services. Fancher has noticed that new admits are arriving with a lot more intensive wounds.
Attentiveness to skin is becoming more and more essential as our population ages. Use sun protection, and treat scrapes and cuts as soon as possible. If you see a skin altercation that is not healing properly, make an appointment with a medical doctor, as well as a registered dietitian to make sure you are fueling your body — and skin — to heal properly.
Heddington Oaks is a non-profit skilled care nursing home that has been recognized for its excellence in wound care and rehab services. Visit www.HeddingtonOaks.com for more information on the Peoria County-owned facility. Tours available by calling 309-636-3600.
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