Wound Care at Home: When and How to Call a Nurse

A poorly managed wound — whether from surgery, a fall, a burn, a pressure ulcer, or a chronic lesion linked to diabetes or circulation problems — can quickly become complicated without proper follow-up. Home wound care allows this technical, professional care to happen regularly, without requiring the patient to travel to a health facility.

What types of wounds do we follow up?

• Healing surgical wounds (with sutures, staples, steri-strips, and more).
• Pressure ulcers (bedsores), common in bedridden patients or those with reduced mobility.
• Venous ulcers and diabetic foot.
• Chronic wounds that are slow to heal.
• Skin abrasions and lesions.
• Burns.
• Traumatic wounds (from falls or cuts).

How does follow-up work?

The nurse assesses the type, characteristics and stage of the wound, chooses the most suitable dressing — today there are many options, from simple dressings to advanced ones with specific properties to speed up healing and fight infection — and sets a change schedule, which can be daily, every other day, weekly, or based on how the wound is healing. At each visit, progress is recorded, making it easy to see quickly whether treatment is working or needs to be adjusted.

Warning signs not to ignore

Spreading redness around the wound, local warmth, a bad smell, purulent discharge, fever, or pain that increases instead of easing are signs of possible infection and should be assessed without delay. Regular nursing follow-up helps catch these signs early, before they become a more serious problem, significantly reducing complications.

Why preventing pressure ulcers matters so much

In bedridden patients or those with very reduced mobility, pressure ulcers can appear within days and, typically, are slow to heal. Nursing follow-up also includes guidance for the family and caregiver on prevention and monitoring — repositioning, skin hydration and alternating body position — simple measures that make a real difference in prevention and healing.

If you have a family member or friend with a wound that isn’t healing well, or who needs regular support with dressing changes, Brave Care can organise a home wound care plan tailored to the specific situation.