Aging brings about various health issues, including foot problems. Seniors’ feet lose cushioning over time, and their skin can become brittle and dry. This is due to different factors, such as regular wear and tear and poor blood circulation. To combat these issues, your aging loved one should keep the following details in mind to properly care for his or her feet.
Lowers the Risk of Nerve & Joint Problems
A bunion or callus may notseem like a big deal, but it can be an underlying issue that leads to numbness in the joints and toes. When you check your loved one’s feet, specifically the toe joints, you can learn if he or she is experiencing conditions such as neuroma, which is a pinched nerve that causes burning, numbness, or tingling in the toes. Monitor your loved one’s feet for sores, and take him or her to get immediate medical attention for issues like bunions, corns, calluses, and hammertoes.
a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional elderly home care. Clearwater families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Reduces Pain
Poor foot hygiene can cause aches and pain in the feet, and it can also increase the risk of slips and falls that lead to broken bones and infections. Regularly monitoring your parent’s feet can prevent him or her from wearing shoes and socks that fail to support the ligaments and lead to pain. Regular foot care can also prevent gout, peripheral vascular disease, and other issues that contribute to muscle and ligament pain as well as damaged nerve cells and blood vessels.
Staves Off Dry Skin
Xerosis is a common condition among older adults, and when untreated, it could lead to chronic wounds. Your loved one should keep his or her feet moisturized regularly by using healthy oils and lotions. Some signs of xerosis include flaking, cracking, and open foot sores. Dry skin is a common problem for older adults, which is why your loved one should pay close attention to his or her feet. Before putting lotion on, your parent should make sure his or her feet are clean and dry, as this can keep the skin soft and supple. Your loved one should also wear breathable cotton socks.
Helps Seniors Look for Signs of Diabetes
When monitoring their feet, particularly the toenails, seniors can check for different warning signs, such as discoloration, dents, and chippings. These are issues that could be due to serious health problems such as diabetes. By regularly clipping his or her toenails or getting pedicures, your loved one can look for signs of diabetes and stave off the condition. Your loved one could also lower the risk of having to have his or her foot amputated, which is a risk for some seniors living with diabetes.
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a senior care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
Boosts Stability
Regularly monitoring your parent’s feet can lower the odds of injury and increase his or her foot stability. Check the feet for excessive swelling, which could signify inflammation, a sprain, or other foot problems. Keeping the bones, tendons, and muscles in good shape allows your loved one to move from place to place with a reduced risk of slipping or falling.
Professional in-home caregivers can help older adults maintain good foot health and great overall wellbeing. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Clearwater Home Care Assistance can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Home Care Assistance team at (727) 330-7862 today.