Benefits of Inpatient Wound Care for Seniors
Recovering from an injury can be a challenge – and one that only gets more challenging as we age. But what do you do when you or someone you love needs to find the best way to bounce back? If you’re feeling a little confused, don’t worry. We’re here to help.
When you read this blog, you’ll learn about how our bodies react to injury as we age, the differences between inpatient care and other options, and how inpatient therapy can help.
Why Do Wounds Take Longer to Heal in the Elderly?
This is a pretty complex question – but the crux of it boils down to two fairly simple factors. First is that the body functions that contribute to healing slow down as we get older. Our circulatory systems become less efficient, bringing fewer red blood cells to the site of injury. And cells divide more slowly and less successfully.
The second factor is caused by individual health issues like diabetes, infection or inflammation. Older adults with these conditions might experience slow to no healing at all, yielding a chronic wound. If your body struggles to resolve a wound quickly, healing at home can become almost impossible – something we’ll cover in the next section.
What Helps Chronic Wounds Heal Faster?
When an acute injury has become a chronic wound, there’s only one thing to do – get extra care. But the form that care takes – and where you receive it – can mean a lot for both your immediate and long-term quality of life. Let’s take a closer look at some of your options:
- Hospital admission. The least palatable option for many, a stay at the hospital might be necessary in the event of severe infection or inability to resolve the issue in another care environment. As always, consult with your doctor to choose the best option for your health.
- Home health. This is the least intensive, naturally – but it might not be a viable option when handling wound care. Making your home a sterile, safe environment for care can be a challenge, and the lack of 24-hour care availability presents a risk.
- Inpatient rehabilitation. A rehabilitation care center can offer you or your loved one advanced wound care from a team of skilled nursing professionals. And it’s usually available 24 hours a day, meaning that no need or emergency will go unaddressed.
Inpatient Rehabilitation: What is the Benefit to Patients?
There are a lot of benefits to choosing care in a rehabilitation center like Northland. Your loved one will be surrounded by a network of support and qualified health care help. We get to know our residents and their families, paying close attention to history and preferences to design a personalized care plan that fits their unique needs.
Plus, the services and amenities you’ll find here make for better quality of life compared to other options. Our community offers a lot of perks – like complimentary laundry and housekeeping – along with delicious, health-focused dining served daily.
Don’t wait to find out if Northland Rehabilitation is right for you or your loved one. Contact us today.