Supporting a loved one with wound care at home can help them heal safely and comfortably.
Whether you’re caring for a wound after surgery or managing a burn, it can feel daunting to begin with. Having the right knowledge can make a real difference to the healing process, preventing infection, reducing pain, and speeding up recovery – not to mention ensuring their wellbeing.
This guide will take you through everything about caring for wounds at home, including types of wounds and wound care dressings, plus step-by-step tips to support your family member or friend confidently on their path to recovery.
Understanding Wound Healing: The Basics
Most wounds follow a natural process of healing. At first, the area may look red or swollen, which is part of the body’s natural response and usually nothing to worry about. Over time, new tissue forms, and the wound gradually closes.
Yet it’s widely known how wounds take longer to heal in older people than they do the young. If you’re caring for a senior and things don’t seem to be improving, it’s important to act quickly.
Whether young or old, a wound that isn’t healing or is getting worse might need professional medical attention. If you’re involved in wound care at home, it’s your responsibility to keep an eye on the wound and ensure it is healing correctly to avoid further complications.
What Are Common Wound Types and How Do You Care For Them?
Wounds come in many forms and understanding the type you’re caring for helps you make better decisions at home.
Common wound care types include:
- Skin tears – Common in older people as the skin ages and becomes more fragile.
- Surgical wounds – Clean cuts to the skin, usually closed with stitches, staples, or glue, and requiring post-surgical wound care.
- Pressure sores – Caused by long periods of pressure on one area, often on heels, hips, or the lower back.
- Diabetic ulcers – Often on the feet or lower legs, these can develop from small injuries and be slow to heal.
- Traumatic wounds – Cuts, grazes, or punctures from accidents, sometimes needing more than basic care.
- Burns – Injuries caused by heat, chemicals, or friction, which may need specialised wound care dressings for burns to protect the skin and aid healing.
If your loved one has been discharged from hospital or seen a nurse about their wound, it’s crucial you follow any wound care steps provided to them, including changing the dressing. Skipping them can slow the healing process or cause infection.
How to Change a Dressing: Step-by-Step
Most wounds need their dressings changed regularly to support healing and prevent infection. If the idea of changing a dressing feels a little scary, don’t worry – by following the simple steps below, you can make the process safe, effective, and less stressful for both you and the person you’re caring for.
Step 1: Wound Care Preparation
Before you begin, take a moment to set up your space. Cleanliness is key when caring for wounds, so start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If you have disposable gloves, now’s the time to put them on.
Next, gather everything you’ll need and place it on a clean, dry surface – ideally on a tray or towel. Having your supplies ready helps the process go smoothly and reduces the chance of contamination.
What might you need to change a dressing?
- Clean disposable gloves
- Saline solution or wound cleanser (if cleaning is required)
- Sterile gauze or cotton swabs
- The correct type of wound dressing (as advised by a Wound Care Nurse or GP)
- Tape or bandages to secure the dressing
- A waste bag for used materials
- Any prescribed creams or ointments
- Once you’ve set up, check that the person you’re caring for is comfortable and ready before you move to the next step.
Step 2: Clean the Wound
Not all wounds need to be cleaned every time. If advised to do so, use a sterile saline solution and clean gauze or swabs. Avoid harsh products like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide unless specifically instructed.
How to clean a wound:
- Moisten a piece of sterile gauze or a cotton swab with saline
- Gently wipe around the wound, working from the centre outward
- Use a new swab each time you wipe to avoid spreading bacteria
- Pat the area dry with clean gauze (if needed)
If you notice anything unusual about the wound – like pus, a foul smell, or increased redness – make a note and speak to a nurse or GP asap.
Step 3: Check the Wound and Surrounding Skin
Before applying a new dressing, take a moment to observe the wound. Look for:
- Redness or swelling around the edges
- Yellow or green discharge
- A strong or unpleasant odour
- Skin that feels warm to the touch
- Any increase in pain
These could be signs of infection or delayed healing. If you’re unsure, take a photo and contact your care provider.
Also check the surrounding skin for irritation, especially if tape or adhesive dressings are used regularly.
Step 4: Apply Any Prescribed Treatments
If a nurse or doctor has provided ointments, gels or medicated dressings, now is the time to apply them. Always follow instructions carefully – remember, more product does not always mean greater results.
Use a clean cotton swab or gloved finger to apply creams or gels. Make sure the product covers the prescribed area evenly but thinly, unless told otherwise.
Step 5: Apply the New Dressing
Choose the right dressing based on the wound type – your loved one’s nurse or GP will usually advise what’s best. Dressings might need to absorb fluid, keep the area moist, or provide a barrier from friction and bacteria.
Place the dressing gently over the wound without stretching or pulling the skin. Secure with tape, a bandage, or an adhesive dressing as needed, being careful not to apply too much pressure.
Step 6: Dispose of Waste Safely
Used dressings and gloves should be placed in a plastic or clinical waste bag and tied securely before disposal. Wash your hands thoroughly again after you’re done.
If you’re dealing with a wound that has a lot of discharge, or if you’re using sharp items like scissors, you may need special disposal instructions. Check with your provider or local council.
Step 7: Monitor and Record Changes
Keeping a simple record can help you stay on top of wound progress and detect issues early. Make a note of:
- Date and time of dressing change
- What the wound looked like
- Any pain or discomfort the person felt
- Any changes in appearance or smell
These details are especially useful for nurses and doctors on follow-up visits.
Recognising Signs of Infection
Even with the best wound care, infection can happen and acting quickly when signs appear helps to prevent further complications.
Keep an eye out for these signs of infection:
- Redness that spreads beyond the wound edges
- Swelling that doesn’t go down or worsens
- Increased pain or tenderness at the site
- Pus or discharge, especially if it’s yellow, green, or smells bad
- Fever, chills, or general unwellness
If you notice any of these signs – or a combination of them – don’t leave it to chance. Call your GP, community nurse, or wound care service provider. If the person has a fever or the wound is rapidly getting worse, go to emergency or call Triple Zero (000).
It’s always better to be cautious and trust your instincts when you feel something doesn’t look right.
Encouraging Healing Through General Health
Wound care doesn’t stop at the dressing – the body also needs the right conditions to heal from the inside out. Encouraging your loved one to take care of their general health can speed up recovery and reduce the risk of further complications.
Here are some things for them to keep in mind during the ongoing treatment and recovery process:
- Nutrition – Encourage a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins (especially C and A), and zinc to help the skin repair.
- Hydration – Make sure they’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep tissues hydrated and support circulation.
- Gentle movement – If appropriate, light activity can improve blood flow and prevent stiffness or pressure-related issues.
- Good sleep – Healing happens during rest, so it helps to create a calm, comfortable space for quality sleep.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol – These slow down the body’s natural repair processes and can interfere with medications.
You don’t need to be a nutritionist or health expert – more a gentle encourager. Small daily reminders or offering healthy snacks and water can go a long way in supporting wound care recovery.
A Final Word About In-Home Wound Care
Caring for someone with a wound at home can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling other responsibilities. But you’re not expected to know everything, and you don’t have to do it alone.
At the heart of it all, your care, attention, and support make a big difference. Just by being there, you’re helping your loved one to heal, not just physically but emotionally too.
Always follow the advice of healthcare professionals and never hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about something. Whether it’s a nurse, a GP, or In-Home Wound Care Service Provider like Vital, there’s plenty of help available to you and using these resources is all part of being a great carer.
You can also contact the team at Vital Home Health Services and our specialist Wound Care Nurses will be happy to help you.
