Managing diabetes at home can be tough for many seniors. There are a lot of things seniors need to do to protect themselves from problems caused by poorly controlled diabetes, like taking good care of their feet and getting their eyes checked often. If your senior parent has mobility issues or poor flexibility, they may struggle to take care of their feet. Personal care at home is recommended for seniors with diabetes, as it includes foot care.
Seniors who receive personal care at home will have someone to regularly clean and moisturize their feet, look for changes in their feet, and help put on and take off compression socks or stockings.
In addition to getting personal care at home, seniors who have diabetes should be doing these things daily to make sure they don’t end up with serious foot problems:
Check Their Feet Every Day
Daily foot checks are one of the most important habits for people with diabetes. Nerve damage from diabetes can reduce feeling in the feet. This means they might not notice a cut, blister, or sore right away.
Seniors should take a few minutes each day to look at the tops, bottoms, and sides of their feet. Also, check between the toes. Look for redness, swelling, cracks in the skin, blisters, or cuts.
A personal care at home caregiver can perform these daily checks if your parent can’t easily check their own feet. Any sores, wounds, or skin changes that do not improve within a day or two should be checked out by a doctor. Early treatment can prevent serious problems.
Wash Their Feet Gently Each Day
Clean feet help prevent infection. Seniors should wash their feet every day using warm water and mild soap. Avoid very hot water because diabetes can make it harder to feel heat. Water that feels comfortable to the hands may still be too hot for the feet.
After washing, dry the feet carefully with a soft towel. Make sure to dry between the toes. Moist areas between the toes can allow bacteria or fungus to grow. Keeping the feet clean and dry helps maintain healthy skin and lowers the chance of infection.
Moisturize Dry Skin
Dry skin is common in seniors and can be worse with diabetes. When skin becomes too dry, it may crack. Cracked skin can allow bacteria to enter and cause infection.
Using a moisturizing lotion can help keep the skin soft and healthy. Apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of the feet after washing them.
However, avoid putting lotion between the toes. Extra moisture in those areas can lead to fungal infections. Regular moisturizing keeps skin stronger and less likely to break.
Trim Toenails Carefully
Proper nail care is another key part of diabetic foot health. Long or uneven nails can press against the skin or rub against shoes, causing cuts or ingrown toenails.
Trim the toenails straight across rather than rounding the corners. Use clean nail clippers and smooth, sharp edges with a nail file. Do not cut nails too short, because this can lead to ingrown nails.
If the nails are thick, hard to reach, or difficult to trim safely, consider seeing a podiatrist or taking your parent to a medical spa for a pedicure and a nail trim. A foot care specialist can trim your nails and check your feet for problems.
Wear Proper Shoes and Clean Socks
The shoes your parent wears can protect their feet or cause harm. Tight or poorly fitting shoes can rub the skin and create blisters or sores.
Choose shoes that fit well and have enough room for your parents’ toes to move comfortably. Soft, supportive shoes with good cushioning are often best. Your parent should be wearing clean, dry socks every day. Cotton socks are best. Socks made from soft materials that reduce moisture can help keep feet comfortable and protect the skin.
Providing exceptional Personal Care at Home in Ashburn, VA, for seniors and families in the Northern Virginia area, including Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Reston, Burke, Ashburn, Centreville, Springfield, Manassas, and Oakton. Call today to speak with our caring staff: (703) 272-8838.
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