Comfort Over Closure: Managing Wounds at End of Life

Dr. G explains how wound care changes in hospice: the focus shifts from closure and aggressive treatments to comfort, pain relief, odor and exudate control, and preserving patient dignity.

The episode reviews the physiology of dying skin, common hospice wounds (Kennedy terminal ulcers, unavoidable pressure injuries, ischemic/gangrenous wounds, and fungating tumors), and practical strategies like minimizing painful dressing changes and prioritizing symptom management.

Dr. G emphasizes ethical care, family education, and the importance of treating patients with presence and compassion—honoring the body’s process while protecting comfort and dignity at the end of life.