In elderly nail care and with being elderly, hand and foot care is an essential part of your personal hygiene. Healthy fingernails and toenails increase pride in your appearance and self-respect. Apart from looking good, healthy toenails and fingers also improve your comfort and mobility.

Proper fingernail and toenail care are also important in avoiding injuries – especially in elderly people with dementia who may tend to pull or scratch at their skin.

Some other benefits of taking good care of your hands and feet include: encouraging lymphatic drainage, lessening infections, improving circulation, promoting relaxation, lowering the risk of injury and relieving pain.

Finger and toenail care are regulated under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and Regulations 2014.

The health of your nails can be an indicator of underlying conditions. It’s important to take preventive measures to ensure yours are clean, trim, and well-maintained 🙂

Routine foot and hand nail care is vital. They require straight nail cuts, gentle filing, and moisturising cream. Regular foot and leg massages are also beneficial for blood circulation and muscle relief.

Each day, take the time to expose your toenails and toes to fresh air. Go barefoot or take off your socks while watching television. Soak your feet in Epsom salts.

If you’re a woman over 60 and are fond of wearing nail polish, you must give their toenails and fingernails the chance to breathe. You could skip polishing between pedicures or home manicures. Then, you also might want to consider the autumn/ winter as an “off-season” for nail polish.

Unfortunately, even though nails are an important part of personal grooming, they are often overlooked. As an elderly person, uncut fingernails can develop into thick, cracked, and brittle nails. To prevent this, you want to regularly clip your nails with a nail clipper.

Toenail disorders can affect any age group. They aren’t related to diet, but severe malnutrition can lead to abnormalities in nail growth. While some conditions require professional care, others respond well to simple self-help techniques or lifestyle changes.

Older people are more likely to suffer from toenail and fingernail problems than younger people. Common conditions include:

• Trauma
• Injury
• Infection
• Poor circulation and nerve supply

It’s essential to visit a podiatrist if you are experiencing any of these conditions, as they are a sign of serious disease.

As an elderly person, you may find it challenging to maintain your own nails. You may not have time to clean and change your nail polish every week. Or, to do weekly foot scrub to remove rough, dead skin.

So, while you may be capable of caring for your toenails on your own, Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists offer a professional service to trim and care for your nails.

To keep your self-esteem intact, here are some more ways to care for your nails.

Elderly Nail Care – Hand Nail Care for Elderly

You want to avoid picking at your fingernails because this can lead to infections around your nails. Nail clippers can help solve this problem by cutting off any hanging pieces of skin.

In addition, moisturise your cuticles and nails frequently. This will prevent hangnails and keep them flexible. You may also consider using nail oils. To improve the health of your hands, be sure to drink plenty of water.

a) Hand Nail Care for Elderly – Prevent split fingernails

Preventing split fingernails in elderly people may seem difficult, but it’s possible. Prevention starts with a healthy diet and proper hand protection. Split nails can be caused by several things, including nail bed damage.

While you can repair split nails using nail glue and silk nail wraps, prevention of split nails can be a lifestyle issue. Keeping the nail short and dry, and wearing gloves when possible, can help prevent split nails.

Another potential cause of split fingernails is Psoriasis. Psoriasis affects the skin, but it can also damage the nail bed. If you have this condition, using a lotion that contains alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) or lanolin will help to soothe the area.

In addition to a good moisturiser, you can also apply clear nail polish to protect cracked fingernails. Using cotton-lined rubber gloves while washing dishes or doing household chores can also help protect them from splitting.

b) Hand Nail Care for Elderly – Trim nails

Proper trimming of nails is vital for your health. This is because elderly people often have problems with fingernails, which can be brittle or thick. Additionally, many have curved or pinched toenails. These problems can cause dryness and redness of the skin. Proper trimming should be performed by a trained professional. In some cases, multiple, small trimmings may be easier than a single large one.

Healthy nails are smooth and do not have long, narrow cuts. They are also usually uniform in colour and are free of discolouration or spots. You may find that your fingernails may be difficult for you to trim on your own due to mobility problems or physical limitations.

If you do your nails by yourself, there are tools specifically designed for this purpose. Trimmers for elderly people have large ergonomic handles that allow for ease of use and complete hand control.

c) Hand Nail Care for Elderly – Bring your own nail tools to reduce infection risk

When you go to your nail salon, you want to be sure they sterilise their instruments regularly. This is because elderly people are at risk of contracting infections from unsterilised instruments used in nail care.

Non-sterilised instruments are a pathway for bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C. They can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Using autoclaved instruments is the best way to minimise infection risk for the elderly.

When choosing a nail salon, you want to consider its safety features and ensure that all tools and implements are properly sterilised before being used.

This is especially important for metallic instruments, which can transfer germs. In addition, all other nail tools should be replaced after each use to prevent bacteria from spreading.

Now, because you can’t always guarantee the total sterility of the instruments used in your salon, it’s also a good idea to bring your own nail tools. By ensuring the cleanliness of your instruments and equipment, you’ll reduce your risk of acquiring infections.

Elderly Nail Care – Getting a Manicure

For some elderly people, taking care of their own nails is nearly impossible. If that describes you, getting a manicure can help you stay well-groomed and healthy. And prevent serious health problems.

Taking proper care of your nails can help you guard against infections and other hand diseases. It can also help you stay happier and more active.

Plus, the social connection you’ll experience with your manicurist is often a source of joy. Getting or giving a manicure is also a great way to bond with other family members – especially if you are a carer for your loved one.

Elderly Nail Care – Step by Step Guide To A Perfect Manicure: Video

Professionally, many salons now offer services specifically for the elderly. You can get basic fingernail cuts or even a full manicure and pedicure with these services. They can be performed in the comfort of your own home, your nursing home or your assisted living facility.

Their services will usually include soaking your feet in warm water, clipping, file shaping, cuticle care, lotion application, and enlightening you about proper foot care.

Elderly Nail Care – Pedicure/ Elderly Foot Nail Care

It’s crucial that you maintain your foot health. Foot problems are common among the elderly, as routine foot care is often neglected.

As our bodies age, our feet lose cushioning and skins can become dry and brittle.

Also, poor circulation can make foot sores heal slowly, or increase the likelihood of developing pressure sores. Routine foot care can prevent problems and keep you active. For optimum results, it’s a good idea to regularly see a podiatrist.

The (NICE) National Institute of Health and Care Excellence’s foot care guide is an excellent resource for people with diabetes. And the Nursing Times published a guide on foot assessment and care for older people.

Elderly Nail Care – Foot and Nail Care: Video

Performing pedicures on elderly people requires special techniques. Manual toenail clippers require you to hold the device close to the toes and clip the nail with short strokes.

This can be difficult when you’re elderly, especially if you have weak hands or are unable to grip a nail clipper properly. You may also experience problems if your nails are too thick or have a thick cuticle.

Elderly Foot Nail Care – Getting a chiropody/ podiatry appointment

If you’re concerned about yourself/ your ageing loved one’s foot health, it might be time to make a chiropody appointment.

There are many benefits to this type of foot care, from nail cutting and filing to checking for corns and sores. A chiropodist can also apply nail varnish and give a foot bath to make them feel comfortable.

This service is also perfect if you live alone and don’t have time to visit a nail salon.

Your foot health is very important, and it should never be overlooked. Too many people focus on the overall health of their bodies but neglect their feet.

However, if the feet are unhealthy, they can cause pain and immobility in an elderly person. Furthermore, poor foot hygiene can be a sign of more serious problems such as diabetes or other medical issues.

If you or your aged loved one has poor foot health, getting an appointment with a chiropodist/ podiatrist is the best way to ensure proper foot health.

Elderly Foot Nail Care – Getting a toe-nail cut

The toenails of elderly people grow two millimetres every month or six to eight weeks.

Getting a toe nail cut for the elderly requires special care and tools. Elderly people may have medical conditions that make it impossible for them to clip their own toenails, and the procedure can be risky.

Many elderly people struggle with maintaining their toenails themselves due to a number of factors, including physical limitations. And diabetics may need regular foot care appointments to check for small cuts or sores.

Elderly Foot Nail Care – Pedicure/ Toenail Buildup Cleaning: Video

If you’re looking for a great option for elderly foot nail care, you should visit a podiatrist for a proper toenail trim. They can provide the expertise necessary to avoid any complications.

Elderly Foot Nail Care – Prevention of fungal infections

There are several ways to prevent getting a feet fungal infection, and some of these measures are as simple as taking better care of your feet. It is important to keep your feet clean and dry. Wear socks made of cotton that can wick away perspiration.

Avoid wearing tight shoes and sandals. Also, try to avoid using hot water showers or baths – as the heat encourages fungal growth. The antifungal medications used to treat a fungus infection must penetrate into the nail bed and nail plate in order to be effective.

The elderly are at a higher risk of nail fungus infections, as are people with weakened immune systems. Those with AIDS, diabetes, psoriasis, or steroids may have compromised immune systems and are more likely to get infected by fungus.

Although not contagious, fungus can still be spread through close, intimate contact. Fortunately, it can be easily treated, and in some cases, it can be completely cured with a little time, effort, and dedication.

Elderly Foot Nail Care – fungus removal

Toenail fungus can be a painful and difficult problem. It can also spread to other parts of the body.

This condition is especially problematic for elderly people who have a weak immune system, poor circulation, diabetes or other medical conditions that make nail care more difficult.

In addition, it can affect one’s emotional health. And reduce one’s ability to perform daily activities.

Infections of the nail are often spread by walking barefoot and touching surfaces. Infections can spread to other toenails or fingernails, making them difficult to treat.

Elderly Nail Care – Electric nail care kits for elderly

Being elderly, electric nail care kits are a perfect solution to trim your nails. With these devices, you can maintain your appearance while having an easy time. You can trim your nails in a few minutes instead of spending your whole day doing so.

Electric nail trimmers come with different settings to suit different needs. They can also be used for trimming your toenails and cuticles.

Electric nail trimmers

Electric nail trimmers and clippers are an excellent way for you to take care of your nails. They can use it for their toenails and fingers. The electric nail clipper cuts the nails easily and without causing discomfort.

It is important to remember that nails become harder to cut as you age. Some people who can’t bend over for a manual nail clipper have limited mobility or are in need of a caregiver.

Electric nail clippers are especially useful for people with disabilities. They also make it easier for caregivers to do their nails. Many elderly people find it easier to use an electric nail clipper.

Unlike the manual clipper, an electric nail clipper files the nails instead of cutting them. It doesn’t hurt the skin and doesn’t take much time.

An electric nail clipper is perfect for people who don’t have the physical strength to trim their own nails. These clippers are safe to use and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. The key is to find one that fits your needs, is safe to use, and is comfortable and efficient for you.

Free nail care for elderly

There are many services available for elderly people in the UK who are not able to afford nail care services. These companies specialise in elderly nail care and can provide a number of services including fingernail cutting and a full manicure/pedicure.

One of such is the Age UK Foot Care And Nail Cutting Services. Their service embraces a friendly, compassionate approach and can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home.