Pressure Ulcer (Wound)

What is a Pressure Ulcer (wound)?
A pressure ulcer or wound is an injury to the skin and the tissue under the skin. It is usually caused by constant pressure from sitting or lying in one position for too long. Constant pressure squeezes blood vessels that carry food and oxygen to the skin and tissue. Without the food and oxygen, the tissue dies and a pressure ulcer forms. Other names for pressure ulcers are decubitus ulcer, pressure sore, bedsore or wound.

Caring for a Pressure Ulcer
Your home care nurse under the direction of your physician will guide you in a step by step process, helping you learn to care for or prevent wounds. Most pressure ulcers can be prevented. However, if you have one, there are many things you can do to help heal it or to prevent another one. These things are skin care, diet, activity and other treatments. At Sparrow Home Care we have an eight-step process that systematically helps educate you and your caregiver to manage your disease. Of course, this process can be extended and is always individualized for each patient encounter.

Step 1:
Disease management
Medication management
Safety
Psycho/social aspects
Community resources

Step 2:
Expands your knowledge of disease management
Continues with medication teaching
Discusses activity
Continues discussions regarding psycho/social issues
Assists with community resources

Disease Management Programs: Asthma Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Congestive Heart Failure Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Diabetes/Type 1 or 2 with insulin Diabetes/Type 2 without insulin Heart Attack High Blood Pressure Pressure Ulcer (wound)

Quick Links: Disease Management Programs Sparrow's Mission Statement Telephone Numbers You May Need Patient Bill of Rights Problem Resolution Procedures Medicare Patient Information Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

Some content courtesy of Innovative Healthcare Solutions, Inc. (From Step by Step, Guide to Better Health)

Additionally, throughout the course of your visits, Sparrow Home Care nurses will teach you how to relieve pressure, range of motion exercises, coughing and deep breathing, urinary or bowel incontinence issues, controlling moisture, why skin care is so important, how to keep clean and dry and how and why to use a bladder diary. We will provide you with a diet log, instruction on wound care dressings and care and a log to document your wound care, symptoms and activities.

With each continuing step of our 8-step process we set attainable goals for you to meet. We measure your awareness or the awareness of the caregiver to ensure all aspects of the goals are being met. Many times we need to step back - and that is OK, the 8-step process is easily modified. The goals are guidelines for us to follow to ensure a comprehensive approach to care. As always, your physician develops your plan of care and directs the nursing and therapy staff in modifying your plan of care to best meet your needs.

Insurance reimbursed homecare must be under the direction of your physician. Remember to ask for SPARROW HOME CARE - the best choice for home care services in mid-Michigan. Celebrating over 20 years of service.