Self management

Supporting self-care / care at home – is a growing trend in managing leg and foot conditions

This is because there are now a number of products that people can use themselves without the need for a healthcare professionals. And this can really help people live their lives and stop the impact on their work and other commitments. People can also shower easily and change their dressing when it suits them. Self-management may not be the right plan for those in significant pain, those without a diagnosis for their ulcer or those with deteriorating wound.

How to support healing of leg and foot conditions at home

To successfully manage a leg ulcer, diabetic foot ulcer, lymphoedema or lower leg condition at home, it must be in partnership with your healthcare professional. Consider whether your wound / condition is simple enough to manage at home? Can you reach the wound? Do you need any support? Can you access all the right dressings and therapy? We all want patients to heal and therefore there are a few things we need to get right if this strategy is to be effective.

Make sure you speak to your healthcare professional about the following

• The cause of the wound and how the treatment works
• Exactly what the treatment or dressing entails and how often it needs to be done
• The risks or concerns such as identifying infection, and how to make contact urgently with the practitioner
• Monitoring progress, taking photographs and when to check in

Getting the right support at home

If you and your practitioner get your treatment right, then there will be a good chance you will end up feeling:

• more confident about your knowledge and skills
• less fearful about your wound
• more confident in having discussions
• more positive about the importance of compression therapy
• good about getting on with your life

You must always be provided with a treatment plan and evaluation form for feedback and to review progress.

Resources

Legs Matter patients resources – Dedicated resources for patients including films, guides and other handy information

Club SqueezeIn, via Platinum partner L&R – Join a growing community of people passionate about embracing everyday self care.

National Wound Care Strategy – Information to help health and care professionals care for someone with a lower limb wound.