Diabetes has a profound impact on the entire body. Because of the circulation issues the disease causes, caring for the feet is incredibly important for those who have diabetes. Lack of proper circulation means even tiny wounds worsen instead of healing the way they should. Read on to learn about the basics of diabetic foot care.
Check Feet Regularly
Encourage your senior loved one to check his or her feet each day for any cuts, sores, redness, tenderness, or blisters, no matter how small. Help your loved one check areas that are out of reach, or have him or her use a hand mirror. Any wounds should receive immediate treatment.
Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Potomac seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
Practice Good Hygiene
Seniors with diabetes should wash their feet daily with lukewarm water and dry them carefully, especially between the toes. Use cornstarch between the toes to keep the area dry, and apply moisturizer to any areas where calluses tend to form.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Potomac families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Trim Toenails Carefully
Your loved one’s podiatrist can demonstrate the best way to cut and file toenails safely. You, your loved one’s caregiver, or the doctor can help with this task if your loved one has difficulty doing so independently.
Take Care with Footwear
People with diabetes should never go barefoot, even indoors. Choose socks made of cotton, which keep the feet dry, and comfortable shoes that fit properly. Your loved one’s doctor may recommend orthopedic shoes if needed. Avoid high heels, flip-flops, and other shoes that cause pain or discomfort.
Left untreated, even the smallest foot wounds can quickly worsen, causing tissue and bone damage and increasing the risk of amputation. If your loved one has diabetes, stress the importance of good foot care and regular foot checkups, especially if he or she has symptoms like numbness, tingling, pain, and slow healing of blisters, cuts, and other foot problems.
Professional in-home caregivers can help older adults with diabetes maintain good foot health and boost overall wellbeing. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted homecare provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Call us today to create a customized in-home care plan.
