Does your dad trim and file his nails often enough? Fingernails may be fine, but it’s often harder for older adults to bend over and trim their toenails. Especially without losing their balance or struggling to get back up. Here are the steps you or his personal care at home team can take to help your dad with routine nail care.
Create a Schedule
Does your dad often forget about his toenails? Set a reminder to see if that gets him to take care of his nails. Toenails should be trimmed every month or two. Much of this depends on how quickly his nails grow. Start with each month, and if that seems too soon, try six weeks and then eight weeks to find the best schedule.
Invest in Equipment That Makes it Easier
A common reason don’t often cut toenails is that it’s difficult to maintain balance when bending over. Nail trimmer extenders are helpful as the toenail clippers fit into the extender and allow your dad to trim his nails without having to bend over.
He might find it easier if he has a seat to sit in and a footstool. He can place his foot on the stool and have his foot positioned closer to him for easier nail care. His personal care at home provider can also assist him as well.
Trim Nails After a Shower
Your dad should trim his nails after a bath or shower. The nails are softer and will cut easily. A file helps remove any sharp edges. When he does cut his nails, he wants to cut them straight across and not at a curve.
When he’s done trimming them, he could apply cuticle oil if he finds his cuticles dry out or become ragged. He shouldn’t pull at his cuticles if this happens. Apply oil and let them heal.
Schedule an Appointment With a Podiatrist
Have your dad see a podiatrist. A podiatrist is a medical professional that can assess foot health and assist with problems like ingrown nails, arthritis pain, and diabetic foot and leg pain. A podiatrist can help your dad get his nails trimmed correctly and teach him how to keep them in good shape.
Hire Personal Care at Home for Hygiene and Grooming Needs
It’s shocking to discover your dad hasn’t been trimming his nails. He takes off his socks, and they’re so long, they’re curling into his toes and creating cuts that could become or even are infected. Personal care at home services are a good way to focus on nail care without your dad feeling ashamed or embarrassed.
Make sure he has someone to help him with nail care. Personal care at home aides are one of the best ways to help him with routine personal care without having to rely on one of his children. They’ll also help him with bathing, hair care, shaving, oral care, or any other grooming or hygiene chore that’s a struggle.
