LECOM Institute For Successful Aging is commemorating Wound Care Awareness Month. Within the Erie senior living community, LECOM offers special treatments for wounds. “LECOM is unique because there are doctors that specialize in wound care,” said George Munro, Wound Care Coordinator for LECOM.
Seniors and Wounds in Long-Term Care Facilities
Seniors are at risk for wounds when they move to a long-term care facility. On average, this is when seniors are at the highest risk for wounds, due to them moving to a new environment and being at high risk for falling. When residents move to a long-term care facility, it’s a big change and creates some anxiety for the patients due to a new setting while living alone.
How Many Patients in a Long-Term Care Facility Have Wounds?
In a long-term care facility, an average of 14.3 % of residents have wound patients, according to Susan Peckford, BA, BN, RN, MN, NSWOC, WOCC (C) Regional Enterostomal Therapy Clinical Nurse Specialist at Western Memorial Regional Hospital. Pressure injuries are likely to be seen in long-term care due to the patient’s age and other medical conditions that they might have.
LECOM’s Treatment Plan for Wounds:
LECOM has specific treatment plans for wounds. The treatment requires debridement of the wound, which is the removal of lacerated or contaminated tissue. Wounds are dressed for white blood clots, have a cleaned wound bed, and finally the closing of the wound. The goal of this treatment is to bring a wound back to a pink surface to heal. The doctors at LECOM visit their patients every day to check on them. A wound treatment plan is a hands-on approach. Residents don’t have to worry about getting up and leaving their homes. The doctors at LECOM go to them to heal.
Healing Process in the Geriatric Community:
The healing process for seniors is a lot different compared to younger people. Healing depends on the nutrients of the body. Seniors take a lot longer to heal because of their mobility and other diagnoses that come with age. Residents at LECOM skilled nursing facilities are put on a strict protein diet to aid the healing process.
Care:
At LECOM, the doctors really care for their patients. “Our greatest satisfaction is seeing people heal,” said Munro. Dr. James Lin and Munro travel around Erie County to help patients in need of wound care, and they make arrangements to see patients at any time. LECOM is proud to say they have made deep connections with their patients through wound treatment.