While as live-in carers we may not be supposed to deal with deep cuts or those which we can see would require medical attention, there are some instances where you will need to dress a small cut.

Here are some guidelines to care for scrapes and minor cuts:

• Wash your hands. This needs to be the very first thing that you do as it will help avoid any infection.
   
• Stop the bleeding. These may normally stop bleeding on their own, but you can apply gentle pressure using a clean cloth or bandage. Elevate the wound until it stops bleeding.
   
• Clean the area. Rinse the wound with water. By keeping the wound under running water, you will help to risk any further infection. Do not use soap around the wound. Neither should you use hydrogen peroxide or iodine, both of which can irritate a wound. If you cannot remove any debris such as small gravel you will need to take your client to the doctor.
   
• Apply either an antibiotic cream or petroleum jelly. This will keep the surface moist and prevent excess scarring. If you notice a rash around the area, you should stop using the cream.
   
• Cover the wound. Covering the wound will help to keep it clean. You can use either a new bandage or some gauze which you should keep in place with tape. Minor wounds will be fine left uncovered.
   
• Change the dressing. Do this at least once a day or if you see the dressing becoming dirty or bloody. Also, change the dressing if it gets wet.
   
• Find out when your client (or you) had a tetanus shot last and discuss with the doctor if you have not had one within the last five years. This is important if the wound was dirty.

Keep an eye for infection. Any sign of redness, increased pain, warmth, swelling and seeping should be addressed by the doctor as they are all signs of infection. 

Tags:

1

Go Back to Previous Page

Live in care jobs