08 Nov Wound Care in Your Long-Term Care Facility
Wound care is an increasingly critical focus within post-acute and long-term care facilities, particularly for residents over age 70, those with mobility limitations, and individuals with multiple health conditions—all at higher risk for wound development. Many long-term care facility residents fit this demographic, with the annual cost of treating wounds reaching into the billions. Inadequate wound care can lead to higher hospital readmission rates, increased morbidity, and even mortality. Chronic wounds are notoriously challenging to heal, requiring extensive treatment time and leading to higher associated healthcare costs. Without proper wound care, facilities face not only more frequent hospital returns but also potential state-mandated penalties that impact revenue.
Factors Impacting wound healing
Several factors contribute to inadequate wound healing, including staffing shortages, substandard treatment approaches, and a lack of specialized skills—all of which can lead to further skin breakdown and patient deterioration.
At Mendota Health, we view wound care as one component of a holistic approach to patient care. We work closely with internal medicine, vascular, dietary, nephrology, endocrinology, and other specialists to optimize patient outcomes. Our multidisciplinary wound care providers utilize advanced treatment options to address the needs of each patient, recognizing that wound care is only one part of a larger healthcare picture.
holistic approach to wound healing
At Mendota Health, we view wound care as one component of a holistic approach to patient care. We work closely with internal medicine, vascular, dietary, nephrology, endocrinology, and other specialists to optimize patient outcomes. Our multidisciplinary wound care providers utilize advanced treatment options to address the needs of each patient, recognizing that wound care is only one part of a larger healthcare picture.
Our experienced Mendota Health wound care professionals bring advanced training directly to your facility. We conduct weekly on-site rounds, ensuring optimal wound care for all wound patients, which can reduce the need for off-site transport for wound assessment and treatment. In close collaboration with your internal medicine providers and primary care physicians, we support:
- Medication optimization and oversight for comorbid conditions to promote successful wound healing.
- Infection control and responsible antibiotic stewardship to manage infections effectively.
- Nutritional review and glycemic control in partnership with the dietary team and attending physician.
- Environmental assessments to identify factors that may delay healing.
- The use of cost-effective, evidence-based treatments using the facility’s formulary.
- State and CMS-compliant documentation to demonstrate appropriate decision-making and intervention for optimal healing.
- Comprehensive patient monitoring across all entry points to ensure seamless care continuity.
We provide:
- Staff education and training to create a cohesive approach to patient care.
- Cost-effective solutions that reduce hospital readmission rates and improve healing outcomes.
- Advanced in-facility care options, including wound debridement, skin substitute applications, tissue biopsy, bedside ABI, and A1c testing—all performed at the bedside without patient transport.
Our EMR platform, Net Health, enhances clear, concise communication between our providers and your staff, establishing a clear pathway to healing.
Mendota health wound care program
The Mendota Health wound care program enables facility partners to confidently accept and care for high-acuity patient populations. Built on evidence-based practices and outcome-driven principles, our program empowers administrators and nursing directors to manage higher-acuity patients without the risk of regulatory non-compliance. This strengthens your facility’s reputation as a center for wound care excellence, promoting best practices and positive patient outcomes.
We’re here to support you. Our Mendota Health administrative team is available on-site or virtually during state surveys to address wound care concerns and assist when surveyors request to speak with the on-site wound provider. Together, we’ll work toward better wound outcomes and increased profitability for your facility.