Risk, Not Excuses

My cousin the podiatrist has noticed an uptick in the number of wounds he treats. When I asked what exactly he is seeing, the response was ulcerative wounds, circulatory wounds, diabetic wounds — wounds common in nursing homes. This comes as no surprise, given the majority of his clientele resides in an urban assisted-living facility.

Each generation faces a unique set of risks and nonrisks. Babies are at risk for sudden infant death syndrome. Unvaccinated kids are at risk for (aptly named) childhood diseases. Obviously, no one is supplying condoms to seniors, although I know of a few instances where they might have been offered if only to prevent the spread of disease. (Hey! One never knows with whom that lecherous 80-year-old canoodled before he was admitted.)

However, a distinction needs to be made. Yes, elderly residents of assisted-living or skilled nursing or independent-living communities are at acknowledged higher risk for certain types of wounds. That is a proven and acceptable reality. But their age and other factors are not an excuse for less-than-enthusiastic treatment and preventive measures. Just as it makes sense that a basically continent person of any age should not wear diapers for convenience, neither should it be assumed a pressure ulcer is inevitable. Despite the fact that clinicians like my cousin are prepared to provide excellent treatment, prevention should always be Priority One.