Be a sole survivor and take care of your feet and nails
Older people tend to experience problems with their feet when their mobility becomes more difficult. Former nurse Nona Hexter, who has worked for charity Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale for more than 20 years, gives her advice on how best to care for yo
Footcare problems tend to happen when people start to become less mobile, particularly if they have difficulty bending down.
Skin becomes thinner and less elastic as we age, and this can make people more prone to foot problems like corns, blisters and foot infections.
Poor eyesight can also make it harder for the older generation to look after their feet.
Nona Hexter is one of the charity’s qualified nail-cutting assistants and heads up its local drop-in advice café, the Senior Health Shop, in Holton Road in Barry.
She urges people to see their GP as soon as possible if they have a foot issue.
She said: “You don’t have to put up with pain and discomfort in your feet simply because you’re getting older.
“Most foot problems can be treated, which means you will be in less pain and able to move around better”. However, there are some simple tips and advice that you can follow to keep your feet in good condition and prevent problems: 1. Wash your feet every day in warm, soapy water 2. Dry your feet thoroughly after washing them, especially between the toes 3. Moisturise your feet daily 4. If your skin is dry, apply moisturising cream all over the foot 5. If you are able to trim your own toenails, do so carefully using proper nail clippers. Cut straight across, never at an angle or down the edges. 6. Shop for shoes in the afternoon. Your feet swell as the day goes on, and if shoes fit in the afternoon, when your feet are at their largest, you can be assured they will always be comfortable 7. Limit time wearing high heels 8. Ensure you wear well-fitting shoes and slippers to aid healthy feet and also prevent falls 9. Change your socks daily to keep your feet fresh.
If you’re having trouble looking after your feet, you’re not alone.
Age UK reports that nearly one in three older people can’t cut their own toenails.
This is why local charity Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale provides a nail-cutting service to administer basic footcare services to older people.
The service is provided by nailcutting assistants, like Nona, who are trained by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
There is a cost of £13 for nail cutting.
This is a simple nail-cutting service, and therefore Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale are unable to provide:
Help with footcare problems such as corns or bunions;
nail-cutting for anyone with certain medical conditions such as kidney failure, blood circulation problems, a history of ulceration or being treated with steroids.
Age Connects runs regular nailcutting clinics throughout both Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Cardiff locations include Thornhill, Llanrumney, Newport Road, Radyr, Victoria Park and Llandaff North.
Clinics in Barry and Vale of Glamorgan include Highlight Park and the Age Connects Senior Health Shop in Barry and St Athan.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible for Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale nail-cutting service, the charity says it will be happy to discuss it with you. For more information please call 029 2233 1113.