How to Take Care of the Feet & Toenails of the Elderly
- 1). Check the elderly person's feet on a regular basis--daily if he is a diabetic. Since circulation slows down as people age, an elderly person may not feel a problem that could turn out to be serious if not treated promptly. Look out for things like ingrown toenails, nail fungus, corns, calluses and ulcers.
- 2). Wash his feet with a mild, moisturizing soap and rinse them with lukewarm water. Dry his feet thoroughly with a clean towel, making sure to get between the toes.
- 3). Keep his toenails clipped, but avoid cutting them too close to the skin. Cut the nail straight across, and avoid curving the nail, as this increases the risk of an ingrown nail. Clean underneath the toenails after you're done trimming them.
- 4). Sprinkle some medicated foot powder on his feet before putting a clean, dry pair of socks on him. It is important to keep the feet as dry as possible, and medicated powder will do just that. However, it is alright to use lotion to moisturize extremely dry and cracked feet.
- 5). Take him to a podiatrist if you notice that he has painful corns or bunions. Over-the-counter medication for these ailments usually just irritate the area, so it is important to seek proper treatment from a professional.
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