☰ Menu
× Close
918.592.9020
non ambulatory patient sitting in a wheel chair

The Hidden Dangers of Being Non-Ambulatory

For patients who are non ambulatory, the challenges go far beyond mobility. Being unable to walk or move independently can lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening health issues—especially when it comes to wound care. At Advanced Wound Therapy, we’ve seen how quickly skin breakdown can turn into chronic wounds in patients who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound. That’s why our mobile care model is designed to bring expert wound care directly to the people who need it most—wherever they are.

If you or a loved one is non ambulatory, here’s what you need to know about wound risk, prevention, and how we’re helping patients heal safely at home.

What Does It Mean to Be Non-Ambulatory?

A person is considered non ambulatory when they are unable to walk or move without assistance. This includes individuals who are bedridden, confined to a wheelchair, or recovering from surgery, injury, or advanced illness. While some may be temporarily non-ambulatory, others may live with permanent mobility limitations due to conditions like:

These patients face a higher risk of developing pressure wounds, ulcers, infections, and delayed healing. The reason? Their skin and circulation are under constant strain—and without movement, the body struggles to heal itself.

Why Non-Ambulatory Patients Are at Higher Risk

1. Pressure Ulcers from Inactivity

Prolonged pressure on one part of the body—such as the lower back, heels, elbows, or buttocks—can quickly lead to pressure ulcers (also known as bedsores). These wounds form when the blood supply to the area is cut off, damaging tissue and making it vulnerable to infection.

2. Moisture and Friction

Bedridden or wheelchair-bound individuals often experience excessive sweating, incontinence, or friction from shifting in place. This weakens the skin barrier and accelerates wound formation, especially in areas like the thighs or tailbone.

3. Decreased Circulation

Reduced blood flow is common in non-ambulatory patients, especially in the legs and feet. Without enough oxygen and nutrients reaching the tissues, wounds take longer to heal—or may not heal at all without specialized intervention.

4. Delayed Detection

Because many non-ambulatory patients can’t feel or see parts of their own body easily, early signs of wounds may go unnoticed. By the time a sore is discovered, it’s often already infected or deep.

The Limitations of Traditional Wound Clinics

For someone who is non ambulatory, getting to a wound care clinic can be a major hurdle. Travel arrangements, wheelchair transportation, long wait times, and physical discomfort can make regular appointments feel impossible. Many patients miss critical follow-up visits, which can delay healing and lead to complications.

That’s where Advanced Wound Therapy steps in.

How Mobile Wound Care Supports Non-Ambulatory Patients

Our mobile model was built for patients who can’t get to a clinic—and who shouldn’t have to. We bring comprehensive wound care services directly into homes, skilled nursing facilities, and long-term care settings.

✅ Wound Assessments at Home

We provide thorough, on-site evaluations to assess the wound, determine the underlying cause, and create a tailored treatment plan. We also monitor high-risk areas of the body to catch new issues before they become serious.

✅ Advanced Therapies

From amniotic grafts to enzymatic debridement and advanced dressings, we bring hospital-grade treatments to the patient. These tools reduce infection risk, even in stubborn wounds common in non ambulatory patients.

For more insight into the effectiveness of grafts, explore this clinical research article on their role in wound progression.

✅ Compassionate, Consistent Care

Our patients aren’t just charts—they’re people. We build relationships with every visit, ensuring continuity of care and giving family members peace of mind.

✅ Customized Pressure Relief Plans

We work closely with caregivers to implement repositioning schedules, recommend support surfaces, and reduce pressure on high-risk areas—all crucial steps in preventing new wounds.

Serving Oklahoma’s Most Vulnerable Communities

From Tulsa to rural areas across Oklahoma, we’re proud to provide mobile wound care for patients who often fall through the cracks of the traditional healthcare system. Whether someone lives in a remote town or in a facility that can’t manage complex wounds, we bring the expertise right to them.

We regularly serve patients in:

  • Assisted living centers
  • Long-term care homes
  • Rural and remote private residences

We believe every patient, regardless of mobility or location, deserves access to the highest level of care.

Don’t Wait for a Wound to Get Worse

If you or someone you love is non ambulatory, proactive wound care is essential. Waiting until a wound appears—or worsens—can lead to hospitalization, systemic infection, or permanent damage. At Advanced Wound Therapy, we’re here to prevent that from happening.

Let us bring expert care, advanced treatments, and compassionate support directly to your door. Reach out today to start the healing process—without ever leaving home.

Experience the Advanced Wound Therapy Difference

Don't wait—get the expert wound care you need. Schedule your consultation with Advanced Wound Therapy today.

Let’s Connect/Find Us

2488 E 81st St.,
Suite 2000,
Tulsa OK 74137
Monday - Friday
9am to 4pm
Saturday - Sunday
Closed
4013 N.W. Expressway
Suite 250
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116
Monday - Friday
9am to 4pm
Saturday - Sunday
Closed