Wounds that aren't properly managed can turn a minor problem into a serious one. Infection, delayed healing, hospital readmission, these are all preventab
Wounds that aren't properly managed can turn a minor problem into a serious one. Infection, delayed healing, hospital readmission, these are all preventable with the right nursing care. If your NDIS plan includes community nursing, wound care is one of the most common services your nurse will provide. MediHealth Connect provides wound care at home, and this guide explains what to expect.
Community nurses manage a wide variety of wounds in the home setting. Pressure injuries are common among participants who spend extended periods in wheelchairs or beds. Surgical wounds need monitoring after hospital discharge to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. Chronic leg ulcers, often linked to vascular conditions or diabetes, require ongoing dressing management. Skin tears, particularly in participants with fragile skin, need careful treatment to prevent complications.
Every wound gets a proper assessment before treatment begins. Your nurse will photograph and measure the wound to track progress over time, assess the tissue type and check for signs of infection, select the appropriate dressing products based on the wound type and stage, develop a dressing schedule, and communicate findings to your GP.
Dressing changes follow evidence-based protocols. Your nurse won't just slap on whatever's available, they'll select products that create the right environment for your specific wound to heal.
If a wound isn't responding to treatment as expected, your nurse will escalate. That might mean a referral to a wound care specialist, a review of underlying factors like nutrition or medication, a change in dressing products or technique, or additional investigations to rule out infection or other complications.
At MediHealth Connect, we track wound healing progress systematically. If a wound isn't improving within the expected timeframe, we don't just keep doing the same thing, we investigate why and adjust the approach.
It depends on the wound and the product. Some modern dressings stay on for several days; an infected or heavily draining wound may need daily changes. The nurse sets the schedule at the first assessment and adjusts it as the wound changes.
Usually, yes, as consumables from your Core budget when the wound is related to your disability. Wounds from an unrelated illness or operation are a Medicare or hospital matter. Our wound care page explains the funding split.
Simple dressing changes can be delegated to a trained support worker under the nurse's plan. Wound assessment, complex dressings and any decision to change the treatment stay with the registered nurse.
MediHealth Connect provides community nursing across South East Queensland.