Age-related skin changes lead to increased susceptibility to skin damage and delayed wound healing, which is exacerbated by comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. In some cases, wound healing is not achievable or realistic and this needs to be reflected in the wound management plan. To improve outcomes and experience in older people presenting with wounds it is important to select wound management products that protect the wound bed and surrounding skin, minimise trauma, reduce symptoms and/or promote healing. This article explores how conducting holistic wound assessments, setting realistic treatment aims, and using wound management strategies tailored to each person's needs and wishes can have a positive effect on older people's quality of life.
Keywords: care homes; clinical; leg ulcers; nursing homes; older people; pressure ulcers; skin; skin assessment; wound assessment; wound care; wound management.
© 2024 RCN Publishing Company Ltd. All rights reserved. Not to be copied, transmitted or recorded in any way, in whole or part, without prior permission of the publishers.