Citation

Grant EJ. Home Healthc. Nurse 2013; 31(10): 561-573.

Affiliation

Ernest J. Grant, MSN, RN, FAAN, is a Nursing Education Clinician-Burn Outreach, N. C. Jaycee Burn Center, UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and a member of the following associations that are referenced in this article: the American Burn Association's Burn Prevention Committee, the American Burn Association's Editorial Advisory Board, and the National Fire Protection Association-Board of Director's First Vice President.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/01.NHH.0000436217.56972.58

PMID

24189021

Abstract

Burn injury to individuals older than 60 years occurs with a frequency that is disproportionate to that of all other victims except the very young. Burns continue to remain a major healthcare problem in the United States and globally. Seniors 65 years and older make up 13.7% of the total population of the United States, and these numbers are expected to increase during the next 30 years (). Further, older adults who live alone are 30% more likely to suffer an unintentional injury than the rest of the population. As seniors age, their potential for suffering a fire or burn-related injury increases because of the aging process, comorbidities, and limited financial means. These factors describe a vulnerable population in need of protection and safety. This article assists the home healthcare provider to recognize the characteristics and vulnerability of the older adult as related to a burn injury. Guidelines that will assist the home healthcare provider in promoting a safe and comfortable environment are discussed.

Language: en