While foot conditions can happen at any age, they are much more likely in aging adults. Some foot conditions are due to age, while others are the result of diseases or chronic illnesses. Seniors also may neglect basic foot care because they either can’t or won’t do what it takes to keep the feet healthy. Family caregivers should take the time each week to inspect their aging loved one’s feet to note any problems and get them the medical attention they need.
On a day-to-day basis, family caregivers and elderly care providers can help seniors take good care of their feet. Many elderly adults physically cannot get up close to their feet to do some of the routine care tasks required to keep them healthy. Either they cannot bend down far enough or their hands, arms and back won’t work well enough to allow them to administer to the feet. Family caregivers should help them keep the feet moisturized, dried between the toes and take care of trimming nails.
Elderly adults also need sturdy shoes that help cushion their feet but aren’t too tight or ill-fitting. Dry, cushioned socks can also help elderly adults stay on their feet longer and avoid common foot pains. If the aging adult has bunions, calluses or blisters, family caregivers and elderly care providers should bandage them up or put protective padding on them to reduce the discomfort. By paying attention to the feet, seniors will be much more comfortable getting around.
Most people don’t realize how important it is for feet to be dry. Too much moisture in the feet can lead to bacterial and fungal infections that can lead to health issues. Common conditions are nail fungus, athlete’s foot, warts, ringworm and yeast infections. Family caregivers and elderly care providers should wash the aging adult’s feet with warm water and soap, then dry carefully between the toes so water doesn’t get trapped. Socks should always be clean and dry, and shoes should be aired out after a day of use.
More serious foot issues require treatment by a doctor. These include things like bone spurs, ulcers, circulation issues, arthritis and diabetes-related foot problems. Usually, doctors will recommend that seniors don’t sit with their legs crossed as that cuts the circulation. They may also have to wear compression stockings and sit with their feet elevated as often as possible to force oxygen-rich blood to the extremities. Medication can help with some of the more serious foot conditions.
The more that family caregivers and elderly care providers can help seniors take care of their feet, the better off the aging person is when staying in their home. When the feet hurt or have health issues, it spills over to the rest of the body. Mentally, seniors may struggle with sleep, social interactions and exercise when their feet hurt so much. When seniors are under the care of a doctor and getting excellent foot care, they are on the right path to maximum freedom.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING ELDERLY CARE IN CHICAGO, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.
On a day-to-day basis, family caregivers and elderly care providers can help seniors take good care of their feet. Many elderly adults physically cannot get up close to their feet to do some of the routine care tasks required to keep them healthy. Either they cannot bend down far enough or their hands, arms and back won’t work well enough to allow them to administer to the feet. Family caregivers should help them keep the feet moisturized, dried between the toes and take care of trimming nails.
Elderly adults also need sturdy shoes that help cushion their feet but aren’t too tight or ill-fitting. Dry, cushioned socks can also help elderly adults stay on their feet longer and avoid common foot pains. If the aging adult has bunions, calluses or blisters, family caregivers and elderly care providers should bandage them up or put protective padding on them to reduce the discomfort. By paying attention to the feet, seniors will be much more comfortable getting around.
Most people don’t realize how important it is for feet to be dry. Too much moisture in the feet can lead to bacterial and fungal infections that can lead to health issues. Common conditions are nail fungus, athlete’s foot, warts, ringworm and yeast infections. Family caregivers and elderly care providers should wash the aging adult’s feet with warm water and soap, then dry carefully between the toes so water doesn’t get trapped. Socks should always be clean and dry, and shoes should be aired out after a day of use.
More serious foot issues require treatment by a doctor. These include things like bone spurs, ulcers, circulation issues, arthritis and diabetes-related foot problems. Usually, doctors will recommend that seniors don’t sit with their legs crossed as that cuts the circulation. They may also have to wear compression stockings and sit with their feet elevated as often as possible to force oxygen-rich blood to the extremities. Medication can help with some of the more serious foot conditions.
The more that family caregivers and elderly care providers can help seniors take care of their feet, the better off the aging person is when staying in their home. When the feet hurt or have health issues, it spills over to the rest of the body. Mentally, seniors may struggle with sleep, social interactions and exercise when their feet hurt so much. When seniors are under the care of a doctor and getting excellent foot care, they are on the right path to maximum freedom.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING ELDERLY CARE IN CHICAGO, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.