Elderly Nail Care: Toenail Cutting for Seniors

*Griswold Home Care does not offer toenail cutting services,  please consult your healthcare provider before starting a new treatment and discuss what options are available to you 

If you have an aging parent or loved one living at home, you may be wondering how to give a pedicure to the elderly. There are precautions you must take when you are cutting toenails for the elderly to be sure the procedure is done properly.

One of the hardest things to do regarding personal hygiene as we age is cutting toenails. It not only gets harder to bend over to reach your toenails, but diminishing eyesight is also a concern with toenail cutting for seniors. Your loved one will need and appreciate your assistance when faced with these inevitable obstacles.

When doing an in-home pedicure for an elderly person, you should proceed with caution. Assisting with in home nail care for seniors is more than just giving a pedicure.

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Many people have health conditions that make toenail clipping for seniors dangerous if not done correctly. As people age, they may have health conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation, rheumatoid arthritis, or other medical conditions that might require a professional who has experience in doing pedicures for seniors.

If you’re not comfortable or if you’re not sure how to trim toenails for an elderly loved one, there are some options to consider.

Mobile Pedicures for the Elderly

You may want to consider checking out the spas and salons in your area that offer mobile pedicures for elderly people. The spa will arrange to come to the home by appointment. Your loved one will be thrilled with the pampering they receive.

The technicians have been trained in cutting toenails for the elderly, but the service doesn’t stop there. Mom will also get the full treatment, including foot and leg massage, cuticle treatment, and skin exfoliation when necessary.

They will provide all the basic services for both men and women. Ladies can look through the array of polishes, topcoats and glosses and choose a polish to finish their pedicure off with just the right touch.

Podiatrist or Pedicurist; That is the Question

If your elderly relative has severe underlying medical conditions you should consult a podiatrist. A professional pedicure may be adequate foot care for most seniors, but sometimes the expertise of a podiatrist is necessary.

Some people have compromised immune systems, so infection is a concern for them. Other elderly folks may have a fungal condition that can cause very thick or even deformed toenails. Spas and salons are not equipped to handle that type of problem.

Diabetes and poor circulation are a great concern for the elderly when having work done on their feet. A cut or ingrown toenail removal can lead to an infection that can be ongoing and very difficult to treat.

Foot care for the elderly is an imperative part of the overall healthcare plan. The important thing is to pay attention to the feet and to treat them with care. Mobility can be impaired by something as simple as an ingrown toenail. So, keep those toenails in great shape, whether you do it at home, at the spa or in the podiatrist’s office.