We’re in the heart of summer and your elderly loved one wants to go out and enjoy it – as well she should! Warm temps, beautiful sunshine, and fresh air are all what the doctor ordered. There is nothing better than a nice day out in the summer.
While your loved one and her in-home team may have thought all about what she should wear, what she should drink to stay hydrated, and how she can protect herself from heat exhaustion, one area that often gets overlooked is the feet. An injury or damage to the feet during the summer can curtail future possible outings so it’s important to take care of them from the beginning so your loved one can enjoy many wonderful days outside this summer.
Six Tips for Healthy Feet This Summer for Seniors
Provide Support
While those strappy little sandals may look cute, can they provide the support your loved one needs for her feet so that she can enjoy her day all long without foot pain? Your in-home care provider should look for supportive shoes that your loved one finds comfortable. If the day involves a lot of walking, shoes that are already broken in are necessary to reduce the risk of developing blisters during her time out that may cause pain or get infected.
Provide Sole Protection
Even if your loved one is going somewhere where shoes are not normally worn – like the beach or a pool – you might consider having her wear water shoes. Water or beach shoes are great for protecting her feet from being exposed to contagions like plantar’s wart or ringworm. They can also help protect the feet if she accidentally steps on a shell or sharp rock. Have her in-home care provider pack a pair in her beach bag.
Apply Sun Protection
The tops of the feet are also in need of protection. They can be very sensitive and burn easily when exposed to the sun. They are also an area where sunscreen will need consistent reapplying (at least every two hours, perhaps more if she’s in and out of water). Have your in-home care provider help apply sunscreen before she leaves the home and then pack plenty for reapplication.
Prevent Swelling
Hot, humid weather can cause the feet to swell, making them uncomfortable and perhaps even creating blisters as shoes no longer fit as well. One way to help reduce swelling while out and about is staying hydrated. Your loved one should drink plenty of water and start long before she ever feels thirsty.
Treat Immediately
If your loved one develops a blister or finds a shoe rubbing her feet the wrong way, take some time out from your activity to treat it immediately. For this reason, always have band-aids, antibiotic cream, and an anti-inflammatory medicine like Advil on hand. Taking steps right away to treat a problem will stop it from becoming a larger problem later.
Take Breaks
Even with the best shoes, your loved one may need a break or two where she can cool off and get off of her feet. Look for places where she can put her feet up to reduce swelling and drink a beverage or two to rehydrate. It can be a wonderful opportunity to rest and reflect on all of the fun you’ve had.
If you or a senior loved one needs in-home care in Livingston, NJ or surrounding areas, please call our friendly staff at 908-590-1759.
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