Holistic Life Care Planning for Burn Injury Survivors

Burn injuries are among the most painful and debilitating traumas a person can experience. According to the American Burn Association, there were 30,135 burn injury cases in 2022, requiring medical treatment. Severe burn injuries can result in long-term pain and disability, making the recovery process difficult and complex.

A long-term care plan becomes essential for burn injury survivors. Crafted by a Certified Life Care Planner (CLCP), this comprehensive plan addresses all the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges the individual faces. It identifies each aspect of the long-term care needs, providing a personalized and structured path to regain health and improve quality of life. 

Common Causes of Burn Injury

Burn injuries can occur in a variety of scenarios, each presenting unique risks and challenges. 

Oil and gas accidents present significant risks for burn injuries due to the volatile and flammable nature of the materials involved. These accidents can occur in various settings, including extraction sites, refineries, transportation, and even residential areas.

Motor vehicle fires can result in severe burns due to the flammable materials and confined space within vehicles, making escape difficult.

Occupational and industrial fires are common in workplaces that handle flammable materials, chemicals, or high-heat processes. Explosions, electrical malfunctions, and human error can all trigger such fires, leading to catastrophic injuries among workers.

Crock pot injuries typically occur when the device malfunctions or is mishandled. The hot contents can cause severe scald burns if spilled, and the steam released when opening the lid can also cause burns to the hands and face.

Grill explosions can result in significant burns, particularly to the hands, arms, and face of the person operating the grill.

Chemical vapor explosions occur when volatile chemicals are improperly stored or handled, creating a combustible atmosphere. Inhalation of these vapors and the subsequent explosions can cause severe internal and external burns.

Hot tub injuries often result from prolonged exposure to excessively hot water, leading to scald burns. Electrical malfunctions in the heating elements can also cause electrocution and burns.

Plane crashes and explosions are catastrophic events that often result in severe burns due to the high temperatures and flammable aviation fuel involved. Survivors can suffer from extensive burns over large areas of their bodies.

Fire pit injuries are common in recreational settings where people gather around open flames. Accidental falls into the fire pit, or improper handling of flammable materials can lead to serious burns.

Lithium battery explosions can happen in a variety of electronic devices if the battery is damaged, overheated, or improperly charged. These explosions can cause severe burns due to the high heat and chemicals released.

Level of Burns

Burn injuries are classified into different levels based on the depth and severity of the damage to the skin and underlying tissues. 

First-Degree Burns

First-degree burns impact only the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. These burns typically present as red, mildly swollen, and can be painful.

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns extend beyond the outer layer of skin (epidermis) into the underlying layer (dermis). These burns are characterized by blisters, severe pain, redness, and swelling, with the skin often appearing moist and oozing. 

Third-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns penetrate all layers of the skin, potentially affecting underlying tissues such as fat, muscle, and bone. These burns cause the skin to appear white, charred, or leathery, and the affected area may be dry with a waxy or charred appearance. 

While first-degree and second-degree burns cause discomfort and require extended healing periods of one to several weeks, third-degree burns, or catastrophic burns, often necessitate extensive medical treatment. These severe burns require a long-term care plan to address resulting complications and promote more manageable outcomes for burn survivors.

The Physical Challenges Burn Survivors Face

Catastrophic burn survivors face numerous physical challenges, many of which can persist long after the initial injury has healed. These challenges can vary depending on the severity and location of the burns but often include the following:

Pain and Sensitivity

Individuals often face significant challenges related to pain and sensitivity. Recovery can take months, affecting quality of life and functional abilities for the burn survivor. 

Acute pain is intensely felt immediately after the injury and throughout the healing process, often requiring substantial pain management strategies. 

Chronic pain can persist long-term due to nerve damage and the nature of ongoing treatments, creating a continuous battle for relief. 

Hypersensitivity of burned skin can become problematic when exposed to temperature changes and other stimuli, complicating daily activities and significantly reducing the quality of life.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Scarring and disfigurement are common and often distressing outcomes for burn survivors. 

Hypertrophic scars, characterized by raised, thickened areas of skin, frequently form over healed burn sites. 

Keloids, another type of scarring, involve overgrowths of tissue that extend beyond the original wound edges, often causing discomfort and limiting movement. 

Disfigurement and significant changes in appearance can profoundly impact a burn injury survivor’s self-esteem and social interactions. 

Mobility and Functionality Issues

Burn survivors often face significant mobility and functionality challenges due to contractures and swelling. 

Contractures, which involve the tightening of the skin and underlying tissues, can severely restrict movement, especially around joints.

Persistent swelling in burned areas, particularly in limbs, can impede circulation and exacerbate mobility issues. 

Neurological Issues

Catastrophic burn injuries can lead to significant neurological issues, including nerve damage and altered sensation. 

Nerve damage from burns can result in numbness, tingling, or chronic neuropathic pain, all of which can be incredibly debilitating. 

Altered sensations, where the skin's perception is affected, can complicate normal activities, making even simple tasks uncomfortable or painful.

Respiratory Problems

Burn injuries, particularly to the face, neck, or chest, can lead to severe respiratory problems. 

Inhalation injuries occur when the airways and lungs are damaged by heat or smoke, resulting in significant respiratory difficulties. 

Chronic respiratory conditions due to smoke inhalation and burns can be severe and long-lasting, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Bronchiolitis Obliterans (Popcorn Lung), Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, and Chronic Cough. 

Thermoregulation

Burn injuries can significantly impair the skin's ability to regulate body temperature, a condition known as impaired thermoregulation. 

Impaired thermoregulation makes burn survivors more vulnerable, causing them to feel excessively hot or cold in environments where others might feel comfortable. 

Addressing these physical challenges often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including pain management, physical therapy, occupational therapy, dermatological care, and surgical interventions, helping to restore function and improve the quality of life for burn survivors.

Emotional and Psychological Impact for Burn Victims

Catastrophic burn injuries can have profound emotional and psychological impacts on individuals, often necessitating long-term mental health support. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Individuals may experience recurrent, distressing memories or dreams related to the burn accident, and have a heightened awareness and anxiety about potential threats. They may also avoid places, people, or activities that remind them of the trauma.

Altered Body Image

Survivors may have an increased awareness and concern about their appearance, especially if burns result in visible scarring or disfigurement. These individuals may experience lowered self-esteem and confidence, and may be concerned with perceived judgment and stares by others. 

Social Isolation

Burn survivors may pull away from friends and family due to internal feelings of shame, embarrassment, or fear of being a burden. They may also feel misunderstood and unsupported by those around them, deepening social isolation

Grief and Loss

They may mourn the loss of physical independence as they recover, and struggle emotionally with the need for assistance to complete daily activities. The survivor's role within family, friend, and workplace circles may change significantly, leading to feelings of grief, loss, and resentment.  

Impact of Chronic Pain

The constant discomfort and persistent pain experienced by burn survivors can lead to frustration, irritability, and emotional exhaustion. 

Addressing these emotional and psychological challenges is essential for the holistic recovery and well-being of burn injury victims, helping them rebuild their lives and regain confidence. 

The Role of a Certified Life Care Planner in Burn Recovery

When you need to know what long-term care is medically necessary after a catastrophic burn injury, a Certified Life Care Planner (CLCP) can help. The CLCP expert will clarify the rationale, duration, frequency, and expense of needed care, ensuring that every aspect of the burn survivor's recovery is thoroughly planned and managed. This comprehensive approach helps to address the multifaceted needs of burn survivors, facilitating a more effective and efficient recovery process.

Holistic Life Care Planning

The CLCP expert ensures a holistic approach to recovery, involving various medical and therapeutic interventions to address the diverse challenges faced by burn injury survivors.

Pain Management

Effective pain management is crucial for burn injury recovery. Life care planning experts collaborate with the burn patient’s treating provider regarding recommendations for a combination of medications, therapies, and other interventions. The goal of the recommendations is to manage both acute and chronic pain, providing relief and improving the patient’s quality of life.

Physical Therapy

Restoring movement and function is a key focus of burn recovery. Physical therapy, tailored to the individual's specific needs, includes exercises and rehabilitation techniques designed to improve strength, flexibility, and overall mobility.

Occupational Therapy

Helping burn survivors regain the skills needed for daily activities and work is a critical component of a comprehensive life care plan. Occupational therapy plays a vital role in this process by focusing on enhancing the ability to perform everyday tasks, promoting independence, and improving overall quality of life. Hand burns, in particular, can significantly impede a person’s ability to carry out simple tasks, making targeted occupational therapy essential for restoring functionality and enabling individuals to resume their normal routines.

Burn Specialized and Dermatological Care

Addressing skin health is essential in managing scars and preventing infections. Dermatological care involves regular monitoring, specialized treatments, and interventions to ensure the skin heals properly and remains healthy.

Surgical Interventions

Surgeries are often crucial for enhancing the physical outcomes of burn patients. The CLCP expert will collaborate closely with surgeons and surgical teams regarding surgical procedures and follow-up care recommendations, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the recovery process. For example, plastic surgery is often needed after a catastrophic burn injury, where a plastic surgeon will address issues such as scarring, contractures, and disfigurement. 

Emotional and Psychological Assistance 

Recognizing the profound emotional and psychological impact of burn injuries, CLCPs also provide a plan of care for mental health support. This may include regular counseling and therapy sessions, participation in support groups with other burn survivors, and the use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications administered by healthcare professionals. These interventions are designed to help survivors cope with trauma, improve their mental well-being, and support their holistic recovery.

Expertise When You Need It

MacKenzie Life Care Planning specializes in helping injured individuals on their road to recovery. Our team of professionals, with extensive backgrounds in rehabilitation and research, is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and compassion when creating individualized life care plans. We are committed to providing comprehensive, objective, and evidence-based opinions to promote best outcomes and prevent future complications. 

Certified Life Care Planner and Burn Injury Specialist

As a seasoned Certified Life Care Planner specializing in trauma and catastrophic burn cases, Jennifer Wall, MSPAS, PA-C, CLCP, brings over two decades of experience as a physician assistant to MacKenzie Life Care Planning. Her substantial expertise in operative evaluations and surgeries within a burn and reconstructive care team, combined with her extensive work in both acute care and outpatient settings, allows her to guide burn patients effectively through their recovery. Jennifer's dedication and specialized knowledge ensure that each burn injury patient receives the holistic and personalized care they need to improve their quality of life.

For anyone in need of a burn injury life care plan or seeking answers to their questions, please call MacKenzie Life Care Planning at 903-595-6777, or visit us online at MacKenzieCLCP.com.