5 Essential Diabetic Foot Care Tips for Seniors

5 Essential Diabetic Foot Care Tips for Seniors

Healthy feet can bring many benefits to seniors. When feet are feeling well, this can help with mobility, balance, independence, and comfort. That’s why it’s important for seniors to take care of their feet and prevent foot problems that may impact their well-being.

Why Is Diabetic Foot Care Important for Seniors?

For seniors with diabetes, foot care is even more critical.

However, before we look at tips for providing foot care, it’s important to understand why it’s needed.

Diabetes can affect nerves and blood vessels in the body. This can impact circulation, blood flow, and feeling in the legs and feet and can even lead to diabetic sores on the feet. In turn, injuries on a diabetic senior’s feet may go unnoticed and may also be slow to heal. In both instances, the situations can be worrisome when it comes to infections.

For these reasons, preventative foot care and diabetic wound care are essential. Unnoticed injuries or infections in the early stages can lead to more serious issues down the road. Following a daily foot care routine can help keep seniors’ feet healthy.

How to Provide Diabetic Foot Care?

Following the five tips below can reduce the risk of foot problems and keep seniors’ feet in good health:

1. Clean Feet Regularly

Use warm water, soap, and a washcloth to clean your feet regularly. This can help prevent infections. With daily inspections of their feet, seniors can also become aware of any cuts, sores, or blisters.

2. Apply Moisturizer

Lotion applied to the heels and soles of feet can prevent cracked, dry skin. This task can be completed after feet are washed and dried.

3. Trim Toenails

Keep toenails trimmed as part of regular foot care. When overgrown, they can cause pain and interfere with comfort and mobility.

4. Wear Socks and Shoes

Clean, dry socks should be worn and changed daily. Socks for diabetic individuals can help provide cushion and wick away moisture. Well-fitting shoes can also prevent injury and keep feet from getting wet outdoors.

5. Seek Professional Care

Seniors should avoid treating foot injuries and undertaking diabetic wound care on their own. Professional foot care is available to offer preventative care and treatment for any issues.

Contact iCare Home Health for Diabetic Foot Care Services

Nurse at Home caregivers from iCare Home Health in Oakville, ON, are available to provide care and advice for seniors when it comes to their feet. Foot care cannot be over-emphasized, and our skilled caregivers can help keep seniors’ feet healthy and comfortable. Services can be provided from the comfort of home or in one of our clinic locations in Oshawa and Pickering.

Contact our home care specialists in Oakville, ON, to learn more about diabetic foot care services for yourself or an elderly loved one in your life.

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President of iCare Home Health Services, a community based, boutique home health care company dedicated to serving the needs of our customers to maintain their quality of life and dignity while they recover from illness or age at the comfort of their own home.