Your dad’s doctor tested his blood and determined that your dad has diabetes. He needs to take care of his feet, but he’s not sure where to start. His flexibility isn’t what it used to be, so checking the soles of his feet is a challenge.
Here are the six things that should be happening each day to properly take care of your dad’s feet. Whether you hire personal care at home aides or take care of it yourself, these steps are important.
Wash Feet With a Gentle Soap
Use a gentle soap to wash the feet. An unscented goat’s milk or shea butter soap is ideal. You don’t want to use a soap that is heavily perfumed or has chemical ingredients. When washing them, a soft washcloth or hands are the best way to apply the soap.
Dry Feet Thoroughly
After the shower, make sure the feet are thoroughly dried. Get between the toes to prevent fungus (athlete’s foot) from developing. Once they’re dried, your dad could apply cornstarch to the bottom of his feet if they get excessively sweaty.
Check for Cuts, Cracks, and Sores
A visual inspection of the feet for any cracks and sores is important. Your dad’s more prone to infection so cuts and sores need to be taken care of. If he has any issues, his doctor should be alerted to see what should be done. He may need to see a podiatrist.
Trim Nails
Trim toenails regularly to prevent nails from getting too long and cutting into other toes. When you trim them, they’ll cut easily if you do it after a bath or shower. Cut them straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.
Apply a Foot Cream
Once his nails are trimmed, apply a moisturizing cream to the heels and ankles. Avoid between the toes as that can trap moisture that allows foot fungus to grow. If the bottoms of his feet are dry, moisturize them, too.
Put On Socks
Walking around in his bare feet may be comfortable, but it increases the risk of a cut or scratch. Your dad needs to wear socks. Socks designed for diabetics are helpful, but any sock will do as long as it wicks away moisture.
When possible, choose socks that have traction strips on the bottom so that he doesn’t slip on hardwood, tile, or laminate flooring. If you can’t find them, make sure your dad wears slippers when he’s walking on smooth flooring.
If he’s struggling with foot care, hire a personal care at home attendant. Your dad has a caregiver available to help him take care of his feet, check them for sores and cuts, and make sure his feet are in great shape. Call a home care agency to learn more.
If you or an aging loved one needs Personal Care at Home in Roseville, CA, contact A Better living Home Care today (916) 514-7006
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