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Caring at Home: A Guide for Family Caregivers
Empowering You to Support Healing With Confidence
At Chicago Mobile Health, we know that family caregivers play a vital role in wound recovery. Whether you're a spouse, adult child or close friend, providing in-home support for someone with a chronic or healing wound can be overwhelming without the right tools, knowledge and encouragement.
This guide is here to help. We've created it specifically for non-clinical caregivers, people like you who are dedicated to helping their loved ones recover safely, comfortably and with dignity.
Your Role in Wound Care
Caregivers are often the first to notice when something looks "off", a change in color, swelling, odor or discomfort. You are a frontline partner in monitoring wound health and preventing complications.
You may be asked to:
Change or help manage dressings
Assist with mobility or repositioning to avoid pressure injuries
Monitor signs of infection
Remind loved ones about medications or treatments
Support healthy eating and hydration
Communicate updates to our wound care providers
Even if you’re not hands-on with the wound, your presence and emotional support matter tremendously in healing outcomes.
Daily Care Checklist
Keep a simple daily routine with reminders for:
Wound inspection (color, odor, drainage)
Pain levels and comfort
Dressing changes and supplies
Meals, hydration and medications
Positioning or offloading (for pressure relief)
Mental health and emotional check-ins
When to Call for Help
Know the signs of complications:
Increased redness, swelling or heat
Yellow or green drainage
Unusual odor
Fever or confusion
Bleeding that won’t stop
Wound that suddenly worsens
We’re just a call away. Reach out if you ever feel unsure.
Don’t Forget Yourself
Caring for someone else can be physically and emotionally demanding. Burnout is real and common, so it’s essential to care for yourself too.
Try to:
Take short breaks each day
Eat regularly and stay hydrated
Get adequate sleep
Ask friends or family to help when needed
Join a caregiver support group
Speak with your provider if you’re feeling overwhelmed
Need Help Right Now?
If you're unsure how to care for a wound, don’t guess. Our mobile wound care team is available to answer questions, adjust care plans and provide hands-on education during visits.
Call our support line or ask a provider during their next visit for guidance tailored to your specific situation.
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