Wound Care Needs
Non-healing wounds in older adults are rarely 'just wounds.' They reflect nutrition, circulation, diabetes, mobility, and continence — and untreated, they become one of the most dangerous conditions in senior care.
Overview
Common wounds in seniors include pressure injuries (bedsores), diabetic foot ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, arterial ulcers, and surgical wound complications. Prevention is far more effective than treatment. When wounds occur, appropriate care requires the right level of clinical setting — sometimes exceeding what assisted living is licensed to provide.
Clinical explanation, in family-friendly language
Wound stage, size, depth, and etiology determine care needs. Stage 1–2 pressure injuries and minor wounds can often be managed by home health or in assisted living with nursing partnership. Stage 3–4 injuries, tunneling wounds, or wounds requiring negative pressure therapy often need skilled nursing. Nutrition (protein, hydration, zinc, vitamin C) is as important as topical care.
Common warning signs
- New redness over bony areas (heels, sacrum, elbows)
- Any wound not improving in 2 weeks
- Increased pain, drainage, odor, or surrounding warmth (possible infection)
- Fever with any active wound
Frequently asked questions
Can assisted living manage wounds?
Simple wounds, yes — in coordination with home health. Complex wounds may exceed licensed scope.
Are pressure injuries preventable?
Largely yes — through regular repositioning, pressure-relieving surfaces, nutrition, and skin care.
When is a wound care center needed?
Non-healing wounds after 4 weeks of standard care typically warrant referral to a certified wound center.
When to seek professional guidance
- For any wound not healing in two weeks
- When wound care demands exceed current care setting
- Before discharge from a hospital with active wounds
Care options to consider
- Home health wound care
- Certified outpatient wound centers
- Skilled nursing for complex or negative pressure wound therapy
Arizona-specific resources
- Banner Wound Care Centers statewide
- Dignity Health Wound Care & Hyperbarics
Suggested next steps
- 1Request wound photography and measurement at each visit
- 2Optimize nutrition — protein target 1.2–1.5 g/kg/day
- 3Ensure the care setting matches wound complexity
You don't have to figure this out alone.
An AdvaCare navigator will listen, translate the clinical picture into plain language, and help you decide what to do next — at no cost.
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