Even if your senior parent doesn’t go outside often in the winter, the cold weather can be very bad for their feet. And if your senior parent has diabetes and is prone to poor circulation, they need to pay extra attention to their feet to keep them healthy.
Diabetes can make seniors prone to poor circulation in their legs and feet, as well as neuropathy that can make their feet painful. Swollen ankles and feet are also common in seniors who are struggling to manage their diabetes. If your senior parent has diabetes, they should have personal care at home.
A care provider that specializes in personal care at home can help your parent maintain their hygiene, get safely in and out of bed, get dressed, and take care of their feet.
Cold Weather Foot Care For Seniors
Your parent should always be wearing shoes or slippers indoors. But they also need to take precautions to protect their feet during the cold weather to prevent swelling, ulcers, and other problems.
The best cold-weather foot care for seniors includes:
Keep feet warm without cutting off circulation
Cold weather can make feet feel chilly, even indoors. Seniors with diabetes often have poor circulation, which makes this worse. Wearing soft, warm socks helps keep feet comfortable, but socks should never be tight. Tight socks can reduce blood flow and increase the risk of foot problems.
Choose socks made from cotton or moisture-wicking materials. Avoid socks with tight elastic bands. If your parent has cold feet at night, wearing socks to bed is safer than using heating pads, which can cause burns without being felt.
Moisturize daily, but not between the toes
Dry winter air can cause cracked skin, especially on the heels. Cracks can open the door to infection, which is more dangerous for people with diabetes. Applying lotion to the tops and bottoms of the feet every day helps keep skin soft.
However, lotion should never be applied between the toes. Moisture trapped there can lead to fungal infections. After moisturizing, your parents’ feet should be fully dry before putting on socks.
Check feet every day for changes
Daily foot checks are very important for seniors with diabetes. Nerve damage can reduce feeling in the feet, so small injuries may go unnoticed. Each day, look for cuts, redness, swelling, blisters, or color changes.
If bending is difficult, a hand mirror or help from a caregiver can make this easier. Any sore that does not heal, looks infected, or causes pain should be reported to a doctor right away.
Wear proper footwear inside the house
Many seniors walk barefoot or wear thin slippers indoors. This increases the risk of cuts, bruises, or stepping on sharp objects. Even indoors, shoes or supportive slippers should be worn at all times.
Footwear should have non-slip soles, closed toes, and a good fit. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause pressure points and sores. Always check inside shoes before wearing them to make sure nothing is inside.
Trim nails carefully and keep feet clean
Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short. Cutting nails too close or rounding the edges can cause ingrown toenails, which may become infected. If vision or hand strength is limited, a podiatrist should handle nail care.
Feet should be washed daily with warm, not hot, water. Always test the water temperature with a hand or elbow first. After washing, dry feet gently and completely, especially between the toes. And make sure that your parent puts on warm socks or slippers after their feet have been dried and moisturized.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care Services in Fox Chapel, PA, please contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care Pittsburgh today. Call 412-241-7292
Extended Family Care Pittsburgh is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, serving Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Mercer County, Washington County, as well as the North Hills, South Hills, Fox Chapel, Monroeville, Murrysville, Oakland, Plum Boro, and Squirrel Hill areas.
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