What Are Some of the Best Basic Foot Care Strategies for Your Elderly Loved One?
Elder Care Chester PA
Caring for your elder loved one’s feet is one of the kindest things that you can do for her on a daily basis. Once you learn how to do it and what to expect, you can get into a routine.
Check and Wash Her Feet Daily
When you’re washing your loved one’s feet daily, you get a chance to check on them every single day. This is helpful because your loved one might resist bathing daily, but having her feet washed can be relaxing for her. As you wash, look for signs of blisters, cuts, swelling, bruising, or any other signs of trouble. Dry her feet thoroughly.
Trim Her Toenails Regularly
Your loved one’s toenails can become a source of trouble for her quite easily. As you’re checking her feet, make sure that they’re not getting too long. When you do need to trim them, trim straight across. The optimal length is around the edge of her toe, so you don’t need to go shorter than that. Use a file to remove any sharp edges after trimming.
Apply Lotion, but Not Too Much
Lotion helps to keep your loved one’s feet smooth, but it’s important to be careful. Make sure that you don’t put lotion in between her toes since that can build up easily and create issues. Also, if there’s excess lotion on your loved one’s feet, wipe it away.
Check that Socks and Shoes Fit Properly
Socks and shoes help to protect your elderly loved one’s feet but if they’re not fitted properly, they can cause damage, too. Make sure that your loved one is wearing clean socks every day and that they’re not too tight. Socks that have heavy elastic up at the top can be binding on your loved one’s feet.
Ask Your Elder Loved One if Anything Feels Weird
While you’re taking care of your loved one’s feet, make it a point to ask her if anything about her feet feels different or weird. There may not be a visible issue with your loved one’s feet, but she may be able to tell you when something doesn’t feel right.
Your loved one’s elder home care providers can help you learn how to properly care for your loved one’s feet if you run into trouble.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care Services in Chester PA, please contact the caring staff at True Direct Home Health Care today.
Doc, as he is called by everyone - staff, patients and clients - first experienced home health care and hospice care while as a colleg student at King's College as he cared for his mother every day while she first battled COPD and then lung cancer. It was during this time that he came to understand that caring for a patient was more than just clinical expertise.
"Admittedly, my strongest attribute is my communication skills and the simple fact that I love to help people. Even the smallest thing you can do for someone really can mean so much to them long term. In fact, it could change them forever. That's what providing quality personal home health care should be all about."
In his spare time, he cooks for homeless shelters and children's music and arts events. He also is highly involved in his local youth sports soccer academy as a coach and Board member.
- How Home Health Providers Offer Education Amidst Physical Health Changes - March 5, 2024
- Spring Activities for Seniors - February 21, 2024
- How to Help an Older Loved One with Cataracts? - February 6, 2024