Many seniors suffer with recurring foot pain; however, caregivers can help alleviate their patients’ discomfort. Furthermore, many times the early signs of a systemic condition appear in the feet; therefore, home health care providers can also examine a patient’s foot to attain insight into his or her health. These systemic conditions include circulatory problems, diabetes and arthritis. Signs caregivers can look for include brittle nails, dry skin, discoloration and loss of leg hair. CNAs should also ask their patients if they are experiencing any cramping, numbness and/or tingling in their feet.
Individuals who have senior care training know that proper foot care is especially important for individuals who have cardiovascular disease, diabetes or any other health issue that causes poor circulation in the feet: The information below is meant to assist caregivers in examining and caring for their elderly patients’ feet.Avoiding an ingrown toenail is important for any senior; however, for an individual with a circulation issue, an ingrown toenail could lead to amputation. For this reason, home health care providers need to pay close attention to a senior patient’s toenails. After cutting a patient’s toenails, caregivers need to file the toenails straight across and then round out the edges.
Elderly patients who have poor circulation in their feet are more likely to unknowingly sustain an injury, which can lead to an infection and if not properly cared for, amputation. Wearing moisture wicking socks and closed toe shoes can protect a patient’s foot from injury. For this reason, caregivers should encourage their patients to wear moisture wicking socks, and slippers or shoes that have a closed toe whenever they are awake.
Senior Patients with poor circulation need to be aware that heating pads and hot water bottles can cause burns on their feet. Let them know that if their feet are cold they need to wear seamless socks to bed.Caregivers who take the time to check their patients’ feet regularly may be able to help them by recognizing an injury before it becomes infected; thus, eliminating concerns related to infection and amputation.