Healthy feet are a huge concern for seniors because of what feet do. Seniors rely on healthy feet to assist with mobility, balance, and remaining independent. As seniors age, it can be more difficult to take good care of their feet as they should. Chronic health issues, decreased circulation, and mobility challenges mean seniors may need more help. Personal care at home can make all the difference for seniors, keeping their feet as healthy as possible.
Proper Foot Hygiene
Good foot hygiene is simpler than it might sound. Seniors need to wash their feet daily with warm water and mild soap, especially in between their toes. After washing, it’s important to dry feet thoroughly to prevent fungal infections. Applying a light moisturizing lotion keeps the skin soft and helps to reduce dryness. Personal care at home can help seniors to take care of all of these tasks.
Nail Care
Nail care is a part of proper foot hygiene, but there are a lot of misconceptions about it. Many people think that it’s good to trim toenails down as far as possible and to follow the line of the toe. That’s a mistake, however, because it can lead to ingrown toenails and other possible complications. It’s much better to trim nails straight across and to leave a small amount of nail in place to protect the toe. File sharp or rough edges.
Wear Proper Footwear
Choosing the right footwear helps seniors to stay healthier and prevents injuries. The right shoes offer support and also protect the feet. The shoes need to be the right size and fit well so that they don’t create blisters or calluses. Proper fitting shoes also help seniors avoid falling. To call shoes properly fitted, they should have space at the front for the toes and not have any tight areas that could create pressure points.
Regular Foot Inspections
Regular inspections help seniors to get medical assistance when they need it and well before the situation becomes too complicated. Elder care providers help look for issues like cuts, sores, or other injuries that seem to be new or not healing. Redness or swelling can also be a sign of infection or circulatory problems. Changes in skin texture or color, like darkened skin or excessive and new dryness, can indicate underlying health issues that need to be addressed.
Keep Health Issues Under Control
Chronic health conditions have a big impact on both foot and nail health. Keeping blood sugar under control and addressing circulation issues helps to keep the body, including feet, healthier. Personal care at home can help seniors to address lifestyle changes that help them to focus on their health.
Addressing possible issues related to foot health keeps seniors healthier and safer overall. Personal care at home helps seniors to have the support they need in order to keep their feet and toes in good condition. If they do spot trouble through regular foot inspections, caregivers can help them to address the situation quickly and easily.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable personal care at home in Lawrenceville, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.
We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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