Experiences of Elderly patients living with chronic leg ulcer

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of leg ulcers within the UK is somewhere around 1.5 to 3 per 1000 population (Palfreyman, 2008, p.34). Evidence has been provided by Graham et al. (2003, p.305- 315) state that the prevalence of leg ulcers drastically increase with age. Another study concurred with this finding and also added that not only elderly patients are prone to leg ulcers, more women are susceptible to leg ulcers (Graham et al. 2005, p.315). The most concerning issue regarding leg ulcers is how it had an adverse affect on the lives of the people it affects. Leg ulcers are not affected by socio class, however in poor social conditions the wounds tend to heal to a longer time period (Adeyi et al. 2009, p.21 - 28). Leg ulcers drastically affect the lives of the ones it affects by reducing the quality of life, day to day activities become impossible and forces such people to stop any social activities due to the itching, smelling, and poor odour from the wounds ( Herber, et al. 2007, p.44). Foul odour is the number one reason why these elderly patients with chronic leg ulcers chose to stay at home (RCN, 2006, p.10).

Considering the negative impact that leg ulcers have on the people it affects can be viewed as the number one reason why many people have willingly given up their social lives in order to avoid any embarrassment (Mosquera, 2013). This dissertation will focus on critically reviewing literature as a part of pre-registration nursing degree. Key literature will be assessed in the subsequent chapter which will aid the reader in understanding the experience of elderly patients dealing with chronic leg ulcers. Leg ulcers are a common happening associated with the elder populations based on various factors which include venous and arterial insufficiency. Immobility caused by obesity during with this age group is also a huge reason why ulcers formulate. Ulcers usually occur when the skin breaks down which enables bacteria and air to enter the underlying tissue which usually results in the formulation of scabs and swelling. Such ulcers can become a huge issue for the elderly patients since it has a direct impact on the lives of the patients. Through this study we will highlight the necessity of providing adequate nursing and care to these patients in order to help them deal with their suffering and also ensure that instead of giving up on their lives these elderly patients focus on ameliorating their conditions and do not end up harming their psychosocial lives and ending up becoming increasingly lonesome (Walshe, 2006, p. 1092-1100).

Through this study research we will be able to provide the reader a thorough understanding regarding some of the major initiates that can be taken in order help the elderly patients deal with their ulcers more effectively and ensure that in all costs these elderly patients do not give up on a normal life. This study will help us in ...