Hospital-acquired infections are the last thing anyone trying to recover from a wound wants to have, but unfortunately, picking up an infection in a hospital setting is a definite risk. The less you stay in the hospital, the better. If you need care, though, then you have to arrange for at-home care services, especially if you're a senior.

It's a Matter of Simple Exposure

When you're in a hospital, you're exposed to many different pathogens. Hospitals try to keep things clean, of course, but the risk is always there that you'll be exposed. And because the hospital has so many more pathogens than you'd find at home, the risk that you'll be exposed is rather big. Letting you heal at home is a much better way to prevent infection. But that means you need senior at-home care to help with wound care and daily tasks if needed.

Good Wound Care at Home Is Still Necessary

You may have less exposure to infectious pathogens at your home, but that does not mean you have no risk. Good wound care is still essential; when that wound heals, then you can stop with bandages and restrictions. But until then, you'll want to keep the wound clean and dry and monitor for changes. Having at-home care helps because a care nurse can spot changes you might not be able to see. If the wound is somewhere you can't look at, either because it's on your back or because your mobility is limited, you won't be able to track the wound's changes.

Arrange for At-Home Help to Further Reduce Risks

Depending on where the wound is, you may want to arrange for at-home care to help you with tasks and to monitor the wound. For example, if you have a wound on the bottom of your foot and need to stay off that foot, moving around and standing will be affected; you don't want to keep reopening the wound and increasing the chances of an infection. You may want help with washing dishes and cooking, for example. Or, if the wound is on your arm, you may be restricted from lifting very heavy items, and you might need help with cleaning or taking out the trash. Remember that there are different levels and types of at-home care, so when you, your doctor, and your caseworker meet to create a care plan, ask specifically if their program includes help with daily tasks in addition to the home medical care. If it does not, they should know of companies you can call to get private help.

Whether the at-home care you receive is through your medical clinic or is from a third party, you'll get a personalized care plan that looks at all your needs. This care helps you avoid having to go to the hospital and helps you reduce the risk of developing an infection.

Contact a company like COMPASS Homecare to learn more. 

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