Three Ways Wounds Can Be Treated When Professional Medical Care Is Necessary

A common concern for both seniors and caregivers alike is wound care. Elderly people are generally more susceptible to wounds and complications from them due to more fragile skin and weaker immune systems.

The staff at Onondaga Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing is experts at treating wounds promptly and effectively. Most times, general first aid methods will suffice. However, sometimes professional medical care is necessary.

Reasons to go to a doctor for wound care include if the wound won’t stop bleeding, if another injury occurs at the same time, or if the wound was caused by an animal bite. A trip to the doctor may also be necessary if the person suffered a puncture wound and they aren’t up to date on their tetanus immunization.

When you get to the doctor, they will treat the wound in these three ways:

1. Sutures (Stitches)

If a wound won’t stop bleeding, the doctor will determine if sutures or surgical glue are necessary to close the wound. Sometimes, the doctor will elect to use a method called secondary intention. This is used if a wound is too old or dirty. The wound will be cleaned and dressed, then it will be reevaluated in three to five days. If there’s no sign of infection, then the wound can be closed with sutures, staples, or glue.

2. Wound Dressings

In many cases involving seniors with weak skin, dressings like Tegaderm or Hydrogel are used to heal wounds. This is because sutures or staples may not be held together by the fragile skin.

3. Antibiotics

Antibiotics generally will not be prescribed if there’s no sign of infection. Exceptions to this include wounds either caused by a human or animal bite, contaminated by lake or river water, or especially dirty ones. In those cases, antibiotics may be prescribed as a preventative measure because the risk of infection is especially high.

Onondaga Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing on How to Choose Effective Footwear for Diabetics

Pressure ulcers are one of the leading issues that people with diabetes have to deal with. And since around one in every four Americans over the age of 65 have type 2 diabetes, you can see why this is such a large issue facing seniors today.

Compound that with the fact that around half of pressure ulcers end up requiring treatment in the hospital, and it’s even more serious of an issue.

One item that can easily reduce your risk of pressure ulcers is having the correct shoe. Luckily, footwear is made especially for people with diabetes, but it’s crucial to know what to look for.

Onondaga Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing would like to share with you four things to look for when inspecting someone’s diabetic shoes.

1. Check for Wear Patterns and High-Pressure Areas

Look under the shoe to make sure that the wear is even and not concentrated in one area. Normal wear occurs at the lateral heel and medial central forefoot (check here to see where each part of the foot is).

2. Check the Inside

Feel for wrinkled lining or rough seams. You’ll also want to feel for drainage on the insole and make sure there are non-slip liners inside.

3. Make Sure the Shoe Fits

There should be around a thumbnail distance – ½ to ¾ of an inch – between the end of the longest toe and the tip of the shoe. The width should also be correct by not compressing the sides of the foot. Finally, make sure the laces, Velcro straps, or buckles can ensure a tight fit.

4. Additional Characteristics of a Diabetic Shoe

The upper part of the shoe should be made with leather or other breathable material, it should be foot-shaped with a soft heel counter, and the heel height should be under 5 centimeters.

In addition, make sure that diabetics are always wearing socks with their shoes; the socks should be changed daily so it can be inspected for wound drainage.

Itchy? Sneezy? Watery Eyes? Onondaga Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing on How to Beat Allergy Season

Summertime in Central New York is certainly enjoyable, as people of all ages head outside to enjoy our area’s natural beauty and pleasant temperatures.

However, pollen, grasses, and weeds wreak havoc on many people allergic to those parts of the outdoors.

Onondaga Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing wants to help you get a handle on your allergies by helping you identify what you may be allergic to, and how you can get it symptoms under control.

When are You Suffering the Most?
If you’re experiencing symptoms – sneezing, runny nose, mucus in the throat, and watery eyes – in the spring, it’s likely that tree pollen is bothering you. Allergies to grasses are highest in late spring and early summer, while weeds (like ragweed) cause the most problems in the late summer and early fall.

Over-the-Counter Medications are Usually Successful
For most people, taking a daily antihistamine like Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra usually allows symptoms to get under control and remain at bay if the medicine is continued to be taken regularly. Nasal sprays like Flonase and Nasonex are also generally successful. People also have success combating especially difficult days with either a nasal decongestant or mucus relief medication like Mucinex.

See Your Doctor if You Still Have Trouble
Your doctor can refer you to an allergist or ear, nose, and throat physician to help determine the root of your symptoms (through a blood or skin test) and issue stronger prescription medication to provide relief.

In severe cases, a person can receive allergy shots – also known as immunotherapy. These shots allow the body to build up a tolerance and resistance to specific allergens. It may take a few years, but allergy sufferers often see their symptoms reduce significantly and even disappear.

Onondaga Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Shares Exercise Tips That Will Help You Sleep Better

Four Risk Factors for Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores) in the Elderly

One of the biggest health concerns for home caregivers and professionals at senior living facilities like Onondaga Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing is pressure ulcers, otherwise known as bedsores.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of 10 residents at a skilled nursing facility will have bedsores.

Centers Health Care facilities like Onondaga Center goes to great lengths to ensure residents do not get pressure ulcers, but it can be more of a challenge for the caregiver who may take care of a loved one at home.

A pressure ulcer is caused by skin being pressed up against something hard for a prolonged period of time, causing the skin to die. Many times, the hard item being pressed against is a bed or chair.

There are four risk factors that leave people more prone to bedsores.

1. Staying in One Position for a Long Time

This is the primary and most obvious concern regarding bedsores. Someone who is too weak to get out of bed, chair, or wheelchair is prone to bedsores by staying in the same position for too long. This is also an issue for people who suffer major trauma like spinal cord injuries.

2. Not Getting Enough Fluids and Nutrition

Being well-hydrated and having proper vitamins and minerals in your body will keep your skin healthy from the inside.

3. Poor Blood Flow

Having a restricted blood flow to parts of the body can cause skin cells to die. Diabetes and heart disease are the two main causes of this issue.

4. Unable to Communicate

Sometimes a patient may not be able to communicate about pain or discomfort in an area. This is a common problem for Alzheimer’s patients. It can also affect people with nerve damage, as they may not be able to feel pain from a pressure ulcer.

At the first sign of a pressure ulcer, the Mayo Clinic advises changing positions frequently and making sure the patient is adequately hydrated. Seek a health professional’s care if it doesn’t improve within a day or two.