The Best Steps to Healthy Feet for Seniors

Collingwood Senior Health  |  August 15, 2023

The Importance for Seniors to Care for Their Feet

Healthy Feet for Seniors | The average person walks about 10, 000 steps each day, so when we talk about health, why is foot care often left out of the conversation? Healthy feet allow seniors to stay mobile, which means they can participate in their favourite activities, remain physically active and enjoy more independence.

#DYK – August 17th is #ILoveMyFeet Day and May is dedicated to Foot Health Awareness Month. Two important dates to stay ontop of for happy, healthy feet.

Healthy Feet for Seniors; Know the Risks

Certain medical conditions indicate an increased risk for foot problems. For example, seniors with diabetes are highly susceptible to nerve damage, infections, and poor circulation in their feet. Proper foot care is important for all seniors, but especially if an existing condition predisposes them to complications. Talk to your doctor to find out if you should be extra diligent about foot health.

Is it Arthritis?

It’s important to know if any foot pain seniors are experiencing is linked to arthritis. Osteoarthritis, which is most likely to develop in the big toe, occurs as a result of years of wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis often targets the bottoms of the feet and can increase the likelihood of calluses and ulcers. A healthcare professional can help you identify the source of any foot pain. If it is arthritis, we have many helpful resources for managing the pain and assisting seniors.

Keep Clean and Be Consistent

The key to managing and preventing foot problems is daily care. Seniors should set aside time every day to wash their feet with soap and warm water, including between the toes. After thoroughly drying the feet, apply a moisturizer containing UREA to the tops and bottoms to avoid dryness and cracking. Cleaning your feet helps prevent infections and is also a good opportunity to thoroughly examine them for any issues. Using a hand mirror or asking a caregiver for assistance, seniors should check their feet for cuts, blisters, red spots, bruises, swelling or any problems that could lead to infection. Noticing changes right away will help seniors and their caregivers take action and prevent these issues from worsening.

Don’t Skip Nail Care

As we age, our nails contain less water, which can make them dry, brittle, and inflexible. To avoid cracks, splits, and ridges, it is important for seniors to keep their toenails hydrated by including them in their moisturizing routine, especially after bathing. It is also important to regularly clip toenails straight across while being careful not to clip them too low or into a V-shape; this will help prevent broken or ingrown toenails.

Get the Proper Gear

Proper footwear is key to preventing pain and discomfort; shoes that are too big can cause a person to trip or fall, while shoes that are too small can cut off circulation or cause blisters and broken nails. Be aware that a senior’s shoe size may vary over the years, especially if they experience swelling, so it is important for seniors and caregivers to be cognizant of any changes.

Make sure that shoes are comfortable, the proper size, and that they offer enough support. For seniors with arthritis or mobility challenges, shoelaces can be painful or even impossible, so shoes should be easy to get on and off. It is important to note that seniors should never walk around barefoot, but rather should always be wearing thick, soft cotton or wool socks that protect and cushion their feet.

Stay Active

Maintaining circulation in your legs and feet can help combat swelling, stiffness, and mobility issues. While sitting down, seniors should roll their ankles and wiggle their toes for several minutes, two to three times per day.

Instead of sitting for long periods of time, seniors should try to stand up and move around as often as possible, or at least keep their feet elevated while seated and avoid crossing their legs. Consistent physical activity, such as walking, is a great way for seniors to keep their leg muscles strong, which in turn supports the muscles and tendons in the feet.

Comfort Keepers® Georgian Triangle Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’s trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

What’s more, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Care that is empathetic is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. Learn more about our unique service offering Dementia Care and Palliative Care by contacting the Comfort Keepers Georgian Triangle office.

Comfort Keepers Georgian Triangle, is pleased to announce that we are a recipient of Accreditation Canada’s, Accreditation Primer Award. Accreditation is an intensive process in which an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures are examined by industry experts against a set of quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

If you live in the Collingwood, Midland, Owen Sound area, contact Comfort Keepers at (705) 293-5553, or email us at georgiantriangle@comfortkeepers.ca. Comfort Keepers Georgian Triangle is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible.

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