The Role of a Wound Care Specialist in a Skilled Nursing Community

Chances are you probably don’t think much about your body’s healing process…until something goes wrong. While your body can repair itself effectively, some wounds need special attention, especially non-healing wounds. If they aren’t treated, the consequences can be disastrous—even prompting the need for amputation.

When our residents have issues with non-healing wounds, it’s crucial to receive timely help from a wound care specialist. This is particularly important for our residents who have chronic diseases such as diabetes.

We’ll review the role of our wound care specialists and why they are such a vital part of our team. They are instrumental in providing the peace of mind that your loved one is cared for and safe. Are you concerned that you’re not able to provide the care your loved one needs? Contact us to take the next step and schedule a tour. 

Our Wound Care Specialist: A Vital Part of Our Skilled Nursing Team

What Does a Wound Care Specialist Do?

These healthcare team members are up-to-date on the latest techniques to successfully treat non-healing wounds. They are involved in the assessment and diagnosis, as well as treatment planning of these wounds. They consistently monitor the patients to adjust care if needed.

In addition, they also check blood flow and examine oxygen levels—all clues that indicate how well the wound is healing.

Because so many in skilled nursing communities are facing chronic diseases related to circulatory problems, diabetes and other illnesses, it’s very helpful to have one of these professionals at East Carolina Rehabilitation and Wellness.

Benefits of Having an On-Site Wound Care Specialist

Without an on-site specialist, our residents may have to seek treatment at an outpatient wound care center.  This is not only an inconvenience—and often stressful— but it adds another layer of an off-site medical team that may not be as familiar with our resident’s day -to-day functioning or other contributing health problems.

What Injuries Can a Wound Care Specialist Treat?

Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the most common conditions these professionals treat. But they can also manage other issues such as:

  • Ulcers
    • Pressure ulcers (bedsores)
    • Venous ulcers
    • Arterial insufficiency ulcers
  • Infections
  • Burns
  • Non-healing surgical incisions
  • Severe skin lacerations

Wound Care Specialists Enhance the Quality of Our Residents’ Lives

Serious wounds are painful and uncomfortable. They can take away your loved one’s mobility and independence. But there’s also an emotional aspect involved. This condition can lead to depression, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping (which can have a dramatic impact on mood). 

Our wound care professionals offer more than physical aid; they provide the comforting, compassionate dedication for which East Carolina Rehabilitation and Wellness, our skilled nursing community in Greenville, is known.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Let Us Give You Peace of Mind and Care for Your Loved One

If your loved one has a non-healing wound, it can be scary knowing if they don’t receive the right type of care, the wound could become septic, or in extreme cases, the situation may call for amputation. 

There’s no reason to give yourself more stress by caring for a loved one with serious or chronic health issues. Wouldn’t you love to move out of the role of caretaker and back into the role of spouse, son or daughter? 

We invite you to take the next step and schedule a tour. We look forward to meeting you!

The information in this article and the other articles on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your healthcare provider.

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Source:

National Institute of Health, “Wound Care Centers,” https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000739.htm