Did you know that your mom or dad’s feet can be one of the biggest indicators of health problems? It’s true. Even if your mom or dad isn’t diabetic they need to check their feet often and take care of them.
Swollen feet or ankles can indicate heart disease or heart problems. And seniors with diabetes can suffer serious health problems if they get even a small cut or scrape on their feet that gets infected.
If your mom or dad is having a hard time doing things like showering or applying lotion to their hands and feet they should have personal care at home. When your mom or dad has personal care at home they will get dedicated support from caregivers who have training in safe methods of helping seniors with personal hygiene tasks.
A care provider can help your mom or dad take care of their feet and watch for changes in their foot health by doing things like:
Helping Them with Foot Hygiene
Keeping feet clean is one of the most important steps in foot care. A care provider can help your parent wash their feet daily with warm water and mild soap. They can also make sure the feet are dried completely, especially between the toes, to prevent infections like athlete’s foot.
If needed, the caregiver can apply moisturizer to keep the skin from becoming dry or cracked. Clean and healthy feet can prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of infections.
Trim Toenails Safely
Many seniors struggle to trim their toenails because they may have trouble bending down or holding nail clippers. Long or thick toenails can cause pain, lead to ingrown toenails, or make walking uncomfortable.
A care provider can help by trimming the nails carefully or arranging for a podiatrist to do it if necessary. Keeping toenails short and smooth can prevent injuries and infections.
Check for Foot Problems
A personal care at home provider can regularly check your parent’s feet for cuts, blisters, swelling, redness, or signs of infection. Many seniors, especially those with diabetes, may not feel foot injuries right away due to poor circulation or nerve damage.
Catching foot problems early can prevent them from turning into serious issues. If the caregiver notices any unusual changes, they can alert a doctor or family member.
Help with Proper Footwear
Wearing the right shoes is very important for senior foot health. Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or have little support can lead to foot pain, bunions, or blisters.
A care provider can help your parent choose comfortable shoes with good support, cushioning, and a proper fit. They can also help put on and take off shoes, as well as make sure socks are clean, dry, and not too tight. Good footwear helps prevent falls and keeps feet comfortable.
Encourage Movement and Circulation
Good circulation is key to keeping feet healthy, but some seniors sit for long periods, which can cause swelling and discomfort. A care provider can encourage your mom or dad to perform gentle foot exercises, like wiggling toes, rotating ankles, or stretching the feet.
They can also remind your parent to elevate their feet when sitting to reduce swelling. Light activities like short walks can also improve circulation and prevent stiffness. Keeping feet moving helps reduce pain and keeps them in better condition.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care at Home in Carthage, MO, please contact the caring staff at Adelmo Family Care today at (417) 206-4576
Adelmo Family Care provides exceptional home and facility care for seniors, disabled adults, and their families in Joplin, Webb City, Carthage, Duquesne, Neosho, Carl Junction, Lamar, Newton County, MO, Jasper County, MO, Pittsburg, KS, Riverton, KS, Crawford County, KS, Cherokee County, KS, and surrounding areas.
To provide the safest and most qualified caregivers, John felt it was important to properly screen and train caregivers before they were invited into the homes of the families being care for.No caregiver is introduced to a client before being taught the Adelmo Standard.
Adelmo is German for Noble Protector, a name that projects what Adelmo Family Care strives to be. It is our goal to protect our elderly from having to move somewhere they do not want to go, while remaining safe, secure and independent.
Care is our Product and Independence is our Goal.We are there for you when you need to have some help to continue to live independently, at your direction, in your home. We will work with you to get you as fit as possible so you may become completely independent once again, if at all possible.
We provide compassionate care, a watchful eye and a helping hand to our clients and their families.
We can't wait to meet you!
Adelmo Family Care is a member of the Home Care Association of America, The Senior’s Choice, The Webb City Chamber of Commerce, The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and several local senior committees.
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