Wound care successes a testament to staff persistence – Maxwell
Tuesday, November 29, 2005 -- Craig Anderson
At the most recent “Communities of Practice” meeting, OMNI directors of care each gave an update to gauge the development of the “Healthy Living, Healthy Skin” wound care program.

The program – which marries revolutionary new wound care products with proper nutrition and positioning – has already produced a significant reduction in serious wounds over the past year in most OMNI homes. Since the summer, says Candace Chartier, operations manager, even greater advancements in wound reduction have been achieved.

At Village Green, DOC Jackie Maxwell attributes much of their own successes to the diligence of staff in following wound care protocol.

One resident arrived from a local hospital with two stage 4 heel ulcers, and the caveat that the wounds were terminal and untreatable. Jackie, along with the nursing staff, took the hopeless diagnosis as a challenge.

“The hospital had basically given up,” says Jackie. “We don’t until we have exhausted all measures.”

Recurrent, intensive therapy using debridement, specialized gels and dressings eliminated the resident’s “untreatable” wounds.

Village Green staff will work in tandem with a dietitian to ensure proper nutrition. Since the dietitian visits only once a month, staff often pre-prescribe protein and vitamin supplements to aid in the healing process.

According to Candace Chartier, a number of other OMNI homes have either reduced serious wounds to their lowest levels, or eliminated them all together. Forest Hill has the lowest number of wounds, notable as the youngest home and the last to implement “Healthy Living, Healthy Skin.”

Pleasant Meadow currently has no serious ulcers, while Maplewood has “no skin issues,” says Candace. The treatment of a surgical wound at Burnbrae Gardens was hailed by Dr. Paul Henderson, resident physician, as impressive.

“We haven’t eliminated all of our wounds,” says Jackie, “but we know so much more now and we get residents the treatment they need, and the proper equipment for them to sit or lie on.”

Pressure wounds – especially heel wounds - in seniors are generally caused by improper, extended positioning in inadequate beds or chairs.

Jackie looks to the recent partnership with Therapy Supplies, a long term care mobility aid manufacturer, as a method to ensuring that equipment is not causing new wounds or exacerbating old ones.