Summer is the perfect time for sandals, flip-flops, and bare feet. Unfortunately, for many elderly, the condition of their feet and toes has made them self-conscious about wearing summer footwear that shows their toes. But the good news is that with a little help from a caring personal care at home provider, your loved one just might feel secure in putting on those cute little sandals for a fun picnic again.
A personal care at home companion can help take care of your loved one’s toes and feet, keeping them both healthy and looking great for summer.
Nail Care
As your loved one ages, their toenails begin to change. They often become thicker, are more prone to nail infections, and may crack and peel. Add this to the fact that mobility may make it difficult for your loved one to reach her nails to take proper care of them and it’s not long before they start looking terrible, making showing them off embarrassing.
Having a personal care at home professional regularly provide toenail checks is one way to keep on top of any issues before they get out of control. The provider can help to safely trim the nails as they grow, clean around them, and monitor them for any breakage or possible foot fungus that may be beginning. While nails are healthiest if they aren’t constantly covered in nail polish, your personal care at home provider can help your loved one doll them up a bit for special occasions where her nails may be out for others to see. Having a nice pedicure can be an occasional treat that gives your loved one more incentive to keep her toes healthy and ready to show off.
Skin Care
The skin on the feet becomes more dry and easily cracks as your loved one ages. These cracks might cause pain and can also lead to infections so taking good daily care of her feet is essential.
Here are some tips for healthy feet:
Let them breathe. While shoes are often necessary to provide stability while walking, remind your senior to take daily breaks where her feet are completely bare. This will help prevent fungus from developing on feet that are covered all day by socks and shoes, possibly not having the chance to fully dry out.
Moisturize daily. It is important to moisturize your loved one’s feet every day. If she cannot reach her feet due to mobility issues, having a family member or a personal care at home provider help with putting lotion all over each foot each day can help prevent cracks and sores from occurring. Look for lotions created specifically for foot care to get the best moisturizing.
Wash daily. Feet have a quarter-million sweat glands! And those sweat glands work year-round – in the summer heat as well as the bundled-up winter weather. Your loved one should wash her feet daily with soap and water. Having a bench in the shower for her to sit on while washing her feet is a good way to help her stay safe. An occasional foot soak and thorough scrubbing can also help.
With consistent foot care, your loved one can wear those summer sandals with pride again.
https://rcpod.org.uk/common-foot-problems/sweaty-feet#:~:text=Excessive%20sweating%2C%20also%20known%20as,embarrassment%20that%20it%20may%20cause
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home Services in Reedley CA please get in touch with the caring staff at A-Plus In Home Care, Inc. today. Call (559) 224-9442.
A-Plus In Home Care, Inc. is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Fresno, Clovis, Sunnyside, Fowler, Reedley, Selma, Sanger, Madera CA, and surrounding areas.
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