How Can You Help Your Elderly Loved One Keep Her Feet Healthy?
Home Care in Hudsonville MI
Your loved one’s feet are one of her most important extremities because they do so much for her. Keeping them healthy isn’t as difficult as it sounds.
Encourage Her to Elevate Her Feet When Sitting
As your loved one ages, she is more likely to experience swelling in her feet as she sits. This is especially a problem if she’s sitting for longer periods of time. One tactic that helps quite a bit is to elevate your loved one’s feet. You can do this with an ottoman or footrest or, if she’s in a recliner, by fully reclining the chair. If your loved one doesn’t enjoy propping her feet up, try having her do it for a few minutes each hour to help with any swelling she might experience.
Practice Wiggling Toes at Regular Intervals
Another problem that can crop up for your loved one if she sits for longer periods of time is that she might run into circulatory issues. If she’s getting up regularly, she might not experience any issues. But if she isn’t, it’s a good idea to prompt her to wiggle her toes and to stretch her feet and ankles for a few minutes. This helps to keep blood flowing and also limbers up her feet and ankles. This is especially important right before she stands up after sitting for a while.
Help Your Loved One Keep Her Feet Warm
Your loved one might have colder feet due to age or due to circulatory issues. Regardless, cold feet can be uncomfortable for her. One solution is to have some soft, fuzzy socks ready for her when her feet get cold. Another option is a throw that she can use over just her feet. You can also offer to massage your loved one’s feet to help get the blood moving in that area.
Avoid Heating Pads or Other Sources of Heat Directly on Your Loved One’s Feet
Heating pads, hot water bottles, and other heated options usually aren’t a good idea to use on your loved one’s feet. If she has any decreased sensitivity at all, she may not be able to tell when her feet get too hot, which can result in a burn. Avoid heated items completely for safety’s sake.
Talk to your loved one’s home care providers about other steps you can take to keep her feet in good condition.
If you or someone you know needs help with home care in Hudsonville, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
- Whooping Cough and Seniors: Understanding the Risks and Prevention - November 13, 2024
- 5 Reasons All Seniors Aging In Place Need Home Care Assistance - November 6, 2024
- Caregiver of the Month – November 2024 - November 1, 2024