KCHS Wound Care Stresses Wound Care Education in Older Adults
KCHS Wound Care Stresses Wound Care Education for Older Adults
Older adults more likely to develop chronic wounds, may require specialized wound care.
The United States has an increasing aging population with the number of Americans aged 65+ projected to reach 82 million by 2050 – a 47% increase since 2022.1 Because of this, in alignment with National Senior Citizens Day, the KCHS Wound Care Team is taking the time this August to educate older adults on the importance of wound care for the ages.
Although non-healing wounds affect patients of all ages, older adults are more likely to develop chronic wounds.2 This is because, as we age, the healing process slows, and there is a decrease in immune response and cell growth. Our skin becomes thin and more delicate, susceptible to cuts, scrapes and sores that are harder to heal.
In addition to these normal, biological functions, older adults are also at an increased risk of having conditions and limitations that amplify the effects of already delayed healing, like immobility and inactivity, diabetes and poor circulation, which lead to non-healing wounds like pressure injuries/ulcers, leg or foot ulcers or vascular ulcers.
“Properly caring for wounds is important no matter your age,” explains Program Director Sally Farquhar, APRN. “However, wound care is especially essential for older adults.”
For older adults, the body's capacity to repair the skin on its own is often diminished, but specialized care from a wound center can help support the healing process. The wound center’s approach may include:
- Diagnostic testing
- Nutritional evaluation
- Infection control
- Specialized dressings
- Pressure-relieving devices
- Debridement
- Ongoing patient education
The KCHS Wound Care Clinic is open Tuesdays. For more information about wound care or to schedule an appointment, call 308-832-3400. No referral is required.
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1https://www.prb.org/resources/fact-sheet-aging-in-the-united-states/
2Alam W, Hasson J, Reed M. Clinical approach to chronic wound management in older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2021 Aug;69(8):2327-2334. doi: 10.1111/jgs.17177. Epub 2021 May 17. PMID: 34002364.