National I Love My Feet Day takes place each August, and this year it falls on August 17th. Your mom’s doctor told her she has diabetes and that foot care is essential. Why is it so important and what should she be doing?
Thoroughly Wash and Dry Feet Each Day
Each day, your mom should wash her feet while showering. When she’s done, she needs to dry them completely and inspect them for blisters, cracks, and any open sores. If she sees anything, she needs to apply an antibiotic ointment and cover them with a bandage and socks. Her home care assistance provider can help her with this process.
If the sores don’t heal on their own, she needs to see her doctor. The risk of severe infection is too great to take chances.
Use Moisturizer
It’s important to keep the feet moisturized but avoid putting moisturizer between the toes. The extra moisture could increase the risk of fungal infections. An unscented moisturizer is ideal, or she could purchase coconut oil and use that.
Always Wear Socks
Your mom shouldn’t be barefoot during the day. She needs to protect her feet from infections. That means wearing socks and sneakers when she’s outside, and socks and slippers inside. Even the smallest particle of dirt inside a crack could create a massive problem for your mom.
Trim the Nails Straight Across
Instead of aiming for gently curved nails on the feet, cut the nails straight across and file rough edges. This lowers the risk of ingrown toenails.
Wear Compression Socks
If your mom’s feet and ankles ever swell, she should wear compression socks. This is especially important on long car rides, flights, and train rides. When she’s choosing socks, look for options that wick moisture away.
Choose Supportive Sneakers
Shoes that support your mom’s arches and provide padding to avoid pressure sores are a must-have. She should look for brands that specialize in diabetic footwear. Make sure she wears them with socks and doesn’t go barefoot.
Schedule Regular Appointments With a Podiatrist
Your mom should see a podiatrist regularly to have any issues addressed by a medical professional. If she has corns or calluses that bother her, she should not take care of them on her own. She needs to avoid chemical products and have her doctor remove them.
Make Sure She Sees Her Doctor Regularly
Schedule yearly doctor’s appointments with your mom’s primary care physician. She needs to make sure her diabetes is controlled with the medications she’s prescribed or the diet that she’s told to follow. Her doctor will ask to examine her feet, too.
If your mom struggles to clean and check her feet, trim her nails, schedule appointments, and drive her car, bring in home care assistance services to help out. Caregivers help keep your mom on track with her dietary needs, medications, and grooming and hygiene. Talk to a home care advisor to arrange home care assistance.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Care Assistance in Goodyear, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Blessings for Seniors Companion Care at (623) 594-0819.
Blessings for Seniors makes it possible for older adults to enjoy the comforts of their own home for as long as possible. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as; Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans’ Home Care program.
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