Posted on August 24, 2010 - by Nurse Virginia

TAKE CARE OF SKIN PROBLEMS FOR THE ELDER THE WAY THE NURSING HOME DOES

Taking care of skin problems the way the nursing home does means being proactive, and documenting all abnormal skin areas. When the elder has a bruise or abrasion, write down where it is, what size it is and how it looks. Something like – dark purple bruise the size of a quarter above the right elbow.

This kind of tracking protects the family or caregiver from false accusations of poor care. This also protects the family if the elder has to go to the hospital or a nursing home. When there is a controversy over skin problems acquired during transport or in a nursing facility your record keeping will prove invaluable.

Nursing facilities do a skin assessment every time the elder has a shower or bath.  Every skin tear, wound, bruise or abrasion is documented at that time. If the elder has a bruise that is healing, writing – the bruise above the right elbow is now the size of a nickel and light brown shows, that it is in fact the same bruise healing.

Prevent Infections by being Pro-Active

When the elder has their toe nails cut – immediately applying a small amount of a Triple-Antibiotic Ointment to the area can prevent an infection. Always having some form of Antibiotic Ointment on hand, whether it is a Polysporin product or a natural product can prevent infection.

The natural product I like is Tea Tree Oil, which is an antiseptic product that can be used in the same way as the ointment but is applied with a cotton swab, since it is in an oil form. Any time there is a reddened area in the skin there is potential for a nasty infection. Something as simple as a reddened belly button area, (navel to some) because it is covered and could be moist and warm is the perfect scenario for an infection gone wild. Applying a small amount of an ointment or antiseptic oil at the first sign of redness could clear it up the same day.

Virginia Garberding, R.N.

Director of Education, The Wealshire, Lincolnshire, Illinois

Author: Please Get To Know Me – Aging with Dignity and Relevance

www.pleasegetoknowme.com