SERVICES
Foot Care for Seniors
Good foot health is important at every age, but even more important as we get older. The longer our feet stay healthy, the longer we can maintain an active lifestyle. Complaints about sore feet are more common in people as they grow older; these are sometimes due to physical changes in the body that aging can cause.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels are a common foot problem that are often referred to as heel fissures. Cracked heels are commonly caused by dry skin (xerosis), and are made more complicated if the skin around the rim of the heel is thick (callus)
Athlete’s Foot
Known medically as tinea pedis, this common skin infection of the feet caused by fungus. Athletes foot may infect any part of the foot but because this fungus grows best in warm wet places, it most commonly found between the toes. Damp socks and shoes encourage the growth of this fungus.
Difficulty Cutting Toenails?
Some people are unable to bend or see as clearly as well as they used to, making it difficult to safely care for their feet. Regular visits to their foot care nurse (every 4-8 weeks) helps many seniors keep their feet in shape and to stay ahead of any conditions that may cause them to lose their mobility and their independence. We are the toenail trimming experts, contact us today if you’d like assistance.
Thickened Toenails
Thickened toenails, also known as onychauxis can cause extra pressure on the toes while wearing shoes, causing pain and increased risk of infection. Thick toenails are difficult to care for with regular nail trimmers and nail scissors.
Corns and Calluses
A corn or callus is an area of hard, thickened skin on the foot that is caused by pressure or friction. They are actually a normal and natural way for the body to protect itself. For example, callus develops on the hand when chopping a lot of wood.
Ingrown Toenails
When a toenail is ingrown (onychocryptosis), it is curved and grows into the skin, usually at the nail borders (the sides of the nail). This ‘digging in’ of the nail irritates the skin, often creating pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the toe.
Foot & Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a fairly common condition that disfigures and can destroy the toenail. The big toe and the little toe are the nails that are most likely to be affected.
Toe Props
Toe props are used to help prevent rubbing and irritation, they can be as simple as spacers or can lift the toes to prevent pressure. They can be custom made or purchased for a small fee.
Diabetes Check
It is important to have the diabetic assessment completed annually or if determined there is a higher risk every 3 months may be necessary.
Reports can be given to the client or sent to their PCP for further concerns.
Warts
Warts are a virus, and the nurses will explain the reason you get them, how to stop the spread of them and how to care for and eliminate them. A plan of care will be determined, and their PCP will be included in the treatment plan.
Bunions / Bunionette
Assessment of the joint changes and a determination of what is causing the joint changes s discussed explaining how to best manage the pain/foot changes and a plan will be discussed as to what can be done to help.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a profoundly serious change in the ability to sense what you feel when you walk, bathe and are exposed to heat or cold. There are many ways in which to protect and mange neuropathy and many causes that cause the condition.
Hammer Toes / Claw Toes
There are different reasons in which our feet change, from shortening of tendons in the toes to disease processes, the foot ware we often choose and trauma. All pose different concerns although it is most important to preserve the skin integrity and protect the changes in our feet.
Morton’s Neuroma
This condition is very painful and is caused by a bundle of nerves that are inflamed mostly in the top of the foot and the pain makes it difficult to walk. There are many ways to treat this condition and it can be easily be assessed and health teaching will be given to manage the problem. It may require further assessment and care by a Foot doctor.
VON SMILE Program
What can I expect?
Professional foot care begins with a thorough nursing assessment of the client’s feet and includes a health questionnaire and visual inspection. After assessing your feet, we will design a personalized foot care program specific to your needs which could include nail trimming, thinning of thickened nails, corn and callus care, care for ingrown toenails, fungal nails, regular examination of the lower leg and feet as well as suggestions regarding footwear and keeping your feet more comfortable between visits. We can also provide referrals to community supports as required.
Diabetic Foot Care
Ongoing foot care is extremely important for people with diabetes. Diabetes increases the risk of foot problems and also increases the likelihood of complications. It is important to have your feet regularly assessed and cared for to decrease the risk of serious foot problems.
What is covered for the cost?
Each onsite visit has a flat rate fee that is inclusive of HST and includes a check for all the items listed below. If there are foot care appliances / material that is needed, the cost of the material is in addition to this fee.
Are you covered by OHIP?
No, we are not covered by OHIP, but contact your individual insurance provider to determine your coverage. Our services have been covered by DVA, Manulife, Sunlife, VIP, Great West Life, Green Shield, Retired Teachers Association.