Family caregivers have a lot of health concerns when it comes to their aging loved ones.
In fact, they want their elderly relatives to be healthy from their heads to their toes. Foot care, however, is a frequently overlooked aspect of elder care. Family caregivers that neglect a senior’s feet will soon see that they are limited in so many ways. To ensure that the elderly adult stays as healthy as possible, family caregivers should look into any complaints about their feet.
Here some Foot problems in the elderly
Millions of aging adults deal with foot issues, and yet it is often one of the most overlooked ailments. Seniors are susceptible to foot pain because of the decades of use and abuse they’ve faced. Similarly, many seniors are dealing with poor circulation, which means the extremities may suffer, such as the feet. Finally, it can be difficult for aging adults to even reach their feet, due to being overweight, difficulty bending and struggling to do basic care for themselves.
Common foot issues for seniors can include calluses, corns, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, dry skin, heel spurs, nail fungus, sores, and basic care and hygiene such as cutting the toenails. In more serious cases, neuropathy and diabetes-related issues can also affect the feet. Family caregivers and elderly care providers that notice foot issues themselves or hear the elderly adult complaining about it should contact the doctor right away.
How Family Caregivers Can Help with Foot problems in the elderly
When you and your aging loved one focus on foot care, they will be more likely to get up and around, instead of being hindered by pain or problems. A doctor should treat any serious issues, but there are a lot of things you and elderly care providers can do to alleviate some of the basic foot issues.
- Keep the feet moisturized, preferably right after getting out of the shower
- Always put on dry socks to preserve moisture and prevent drying
- Trim the toenails straight across and even with the top of each toe
- Soak feet in warm water and minerals as directed by a doctor
- Use antibiotic cream for nail fungus
- Cover blisters and red spots with adhesive bandages with ointment
- Purchase good quality shoes that provide support for the foot and space for the toes
The good news is that there are lots of things that family caregivers and elderly care providers can do to ensure the elderly adult’s feet are being well-cared for. They have enough struggles with mobility and stamina, that it makes sense to help them avoid problems with their feet, too.
If there is anything about an elderly loved one’s feet that makes the family caregiver suspicious, they should be taken to a doctor and examined right away.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Home Health Care in Boynton, FL, please contact the caring staff at IDS In-Home Care today. Providing In-Home Care Services in Broward County: 954-476-5353 and Palm Beach County: 561-988-8483
Jeff Stern
Owner at IDS In-Home Care
Jeff Stern is the Owner at IDS In-Home Care.
IDS In-Home Care stands for Independence, Dignity & Security, so naturally, our mission is to help our clients achieve a life of Independence and Dignity in the Security of their own homes. Posted in Elderly Care in Boynton FL, Home Health Care in Boynton FL, Senior Foot Care and tagged Home Health Care in Boynton FL, Senior Foot Care
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