Foot health and, particularly for senior citizens, toenail care is a very important aspect of healthy aging. As we get older, our toenails harden and get more fragile, rendering them harder to clip.
Foot care is important for diabetics
Many foot ailments can result from failure to fully take care of your feet. It can cause potentially dangerous issues, especially in seniors with prevailing health problems like diabetes. Diabetes may lead to poor circulation and nerve damage in the feet (called neuropathy). This makes them less sensitive to cuts, scrapes or infection.
Problems such as ingrown toenails, fungal infections, and ulcers can also develop when toenail care is neglected. Seniors should also trim and care for their toenails very carefully. Trimming nails should be done straight across and not too short. The corners need to be rounded out to prevent the occurrence of ‘ingrown nails’.
Elderly foot care tips to maintain healthy feet:
- Avoid tight or constricting footwear that can cause blisters
- Avoid going barefoot to prevent injuries
- Aim for circulation! Give yourself a foot massage, prop your feet up when sitting down, and wiggle your toes if sitting for long periods of time
- Change socks daily, and keep feet from being exposed to moisture for long periods of time
- Moisturize often with lotion to prevent calluses and cracking in the skin
- Check in with a podiatrist annually for optimal foot health
Find professional help:
If you or a loved one suffers from vision impairment and cannot reach their feet, you should consult a healthcare practitioner or a podiatrist. They can assist in the right nail care methods for optimal senior foot care. They will give a heads up if there are any foot troubles looming. If needed, have family or friends check frequently for preventative measures for injury, fungus, or infections.
Are you or a loved one looking for help at home for proper foot care? My Choice Home Care is an in home senior care service that serves clients in Macon, Jackson, and Haywood Counties in North Carolina. Counties served in Georgia are Rabun, Towns, and Habersham. Counties served in Upstate South Carolina are Oconee, Pickens, and Anderson. Visit MyChoiceHome.Care or call (828) 200-9000 to speak to someone today if you or a loved one would like to enjoy the benefits of living independently in your own home.
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