Did you know that proper foot care helps with balance? One study found that 62% of repeated falls were linked to foot pain. People who support more of their body weight on the outside of their foot have a 78% higher risk of falling. One of the many benefits of companion care at home providers is that they can help seniors with reduced balance avoid a fall with mobility assistance.
Your dad is having issues with mobility. He's fallen in the past. It's time to address foot care as a possible cause for his balance and mobility issues.
The Different Aspects of Foot Care
One of the most common issues older adults face is cutting toenails. Nails thicken and may not cut as easily as they used to. Plus, weight gain, arthritis in the hips or back, and difficulty bending over for extended periods make it hard to cut nails correctly.
When cutting toenails, the cut should go straight across and be even with the end of the toe. Your dad should not cut the nails at an angle, which increases the risk of ingrown toenails. Once the nail is trimmed, a file takes care of any rough edges.
The skin in older adults is thinner and dries out. There's less elasticity and fat. Dry skin is more likely to crack, which can lead to infections.
After a shower, your dad should dry his feet, getting between the toes. Once that step is done, make sure he applies a moisturizing cream. A cream designed for cracked heels is best. Put on socks for cushioning once the feet are moisturized.
Ill-fitting shoes are also problematic. If the shoes pinch the feet, it will cause foot pain. Shoes that are too loose may rub and lead to sores and blisters. Take your dad for a proper fitting to ensure your dad wears shoes that support his whole foot and fit correctly.
Finally, don't wait too long to seek expert advice. If your dad's mobility is impacted by foot pain, talk to his doctor. It's best to see an expert and rule out any health issues causing the discomfort. Diabetes can cause nerve issues that should not be ignored.
Would Your Dad Benefit From Foot Care Services?
With proper foot care, your dad can walk around more. His balance is improving. It's up to your family to help him maintain adequate foot care. He may not want you to see his feet. That's normal.
What do you do if he won't let you help with foot care? One way to do this is by scheduling companion care at home.
Companion care at home aides assist with grooming and personal care. They'll help your dad trim his nails, apply moisturizer, and keep his feet clean and dry.
If your dad has diabetes, his home care aides remind him to eat every few hours and check his sugar levels. They can also schedule regular visits to a podiatrist. Talk to a specialist in home care to learn more.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5501294/#
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING COMPANION CARE AT HOME IN BRADENTON, FL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS OF BRADENTON. CALL TODAY: (941) 499-5946
