Your senior loved one’s care plan should keep him or her healthy from head to toe. Home caregivers recognize the importance of taking this literally, since foot problems can impact seniors’ ability to take care of other aspects of their health. The feet are often one of the first places where people begin to feel their age, and making foot care a priority for your loved one can keep him or her feeling his or her best.
Watch Out for Complications from Diabetes & Heart Disease
Changes in blood circulation can lead to problems with secondary infections and slow healing times. Physicians often ask people with circulatory issues to check their feet on a regular basis. A caregiver can help with this if your loved one is unable to see his or her feet easily. For instance, a caregiver might notice a cut that looks infected while trimming your loved one’s toenails. Treating minor foot injuries with the utmost care can prevent more serious issues, such as gangrene.
There are 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 homecare services. Edmonton families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Preserve Your Loved One’s Ability to Balance
Feet are made up of a complicated system of nerves, ligaments, and bones that all work together. For instance, the brain receives signals from the nerves in the feet that help your loved one’s body know how to balance his or her weight while walking. The toes also bear the majority of the body’s weight, and having one toe that’s nonfunctional can affect gait. Regular foot care helps seniors avoid losing their ability to walk normally.
Prevent Painful Fungal Infections
Athlete’s foot can occur at any age, but it’s more likely to reach serious levels in seniors who are unable to check their feet regularly. Fungus can develop on any part of the foot that stays moist, and it’s common for an infection to develop between the toes. If your loved one is prone to fungal infections, he or she may need someone to help with washing and drying his or her feet thoroughly. Seniors may also need someone to assist with applying medication to parts of their feet that are difficult to reach.
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, an elder 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 ourin-home care services.
Alleviate Chronic Pain from Common Foot Problems
Over time, the feet tend to accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Corns, calluses, and bunions are often caused by ill-fitting footwear along with daily habits that have finally begun to take their toll. Many of these foot problems can easily be treated in the early stages, and arranging for the proper care prevents them from turning into issues that cause chronic pain. Your loved one might benefit from wearing orthopedic shoes or inserts that help him or her distribute the pressure on his or her feet more evenly. If your loved one seems to try to avoid placing pressure on specific parts of his or her feet, fixing these problems can also help him or her regain the ability to walk in the proper way to avoid injuries such as sprained ankles.
Proper senior foot care can be made easier with the help of a professional caregiver. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Edmonton seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers. Call Home Care Assistance today at (780) 490-7337 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.