If your senior parent has diabetes, you already know that it’s important that they manage their diet, exercise if they can, and take their medications as prescribed. But you may not realize that foot care also plays an important part in the management of diabetes. Personal care at home services can help with that, too.
It’s essential that your parent takes good care of their feet and practices good foot hygiene every day. If they don’t, your senior parent could end up developing some serious side effects like foot and leg ulcers, and even amputation.
The Food Care Seniors With Diabetes Need
One of the reasons why seniors with diabetes don’t take good care of their feet is that it’s difficult for them. Bending over or reaching to check their feet, apply lotion, and clean their feet can be painful or difficult.
Seniors also may have a hard time putting on or removing clothing like compression socks that can help improve their circulation. Personal care at home is strongly recommended for seniors who have diabetes because personal care at home providers can make foot care easier for seniors.
With personal care at home, your senior parent will have the help of a compassionate care provider with tasks like showering, getting dressed, and doing recommended foot care, like:
Check Feet Every Day
Seniors with diabetes should look at their feet every single day. They should check for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or anything that doesn’t look normal. Catching small problems early can prevent infections or worse. If anything looks unusual and doesn’t heal in a day or two, it’s important to call a doctor.
Personal care at home makes this daily check much easier, and can help catch potential issues before they require emergency medical treatment.
Wash and Dry Feet Carefully
Washing feet every day helps keep them clean and lowers the risk of infection. Seniors should use warm (not hot) water and a mild soap. After washing, they need to dry their feet gently, especially between the toes. Leaving moisture between the toes can lead to fungus or other skin problems.
Clean, dry feet are less likely to get infections or sores.
Moisturize
Diabetes can make the skin dry and cracked, especially on the feet. Seniors should use a gentle lotion or cream on the tops and bottoms of their feet to keep the skin soft. But they should not put lotion between the toes. That area needs to stay dry to avoid fungal infections.
Keeping skin smooth helps prevent cracks where germs can enter.
Trim Toenails Carefully
Long or sharp toenails can cut the skin or cause pressure inside shoes. Seniors should trim their toenails straight across, not too short, and smooth the edges with a nail file. If your parent’s nails are thick and hard to cut, a personal care at home provider can help make sure the nails are properly trimmed.
Trimming nails the right way helps avoid cuts and ingrown toenails.
Wear Proper Shoes and Socks
Seniors with diabetes need to protect their feet at all times. They should never go barefoot, even at home. Shoes should fit well, have soft insides, and not rub or pinch. Socks should be clean, dry, and without tight elastic that cuts off circulation.
There are special diabetic socks and shoes made to reduce pressure and protect the feet. Wearing the right footwear helps prevent blisters, ulcers, and injuries.
Why Foot Care Matters For Seniors With Diabetes
Foot care is a matter of safety as well as comfort for seniors with diabetes. A small foot problem can quickly turn serious and may even lead to amputation if not treated. Getting personal care at home can make regular foot care much easier and safer for your parent.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care at Home in Tierrasanta, CA, please contact the caring staff at A Caring Touch Home Care today. Call (619) 344-0528
A Caring Touch Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency providing exceptional home care in Coronado, Del Mar/Del Mar Heights, Bonita, East Lake, La Jolla, Torrey Pines, Mt. Helix/La Mesa, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Carmel Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos, Point Loma, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego, and surrounding areas.
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