Elderly Nail Care: A Quick Guide to Nail Care for Seniors
Nails play a larger role in senior health than you might think. At first glance, your nails may not seem all that important. In reality, they can cause both discomfort and health problems if they’re not properly cared for. Take a closer look at what nail care should encompass for seniors.
How Aging Affects Nails
Aging can change the appearance, texture, and health of your fingernails and toenails. They might become harder and denser or much weaker than before. You might also notice your nails grow faster or slower than they did in years prior.
If you have existing health issues, nail infections and ingrown nails can be serious concerns. Foot fungus is common in seniors, and it’s also easy to get sick from germs that live under your nail beds.
Quick Nail Tips for Older Adults
Maintaining your nail health now is much easier than correcting problems in the future. Here’s what you can do to keep your nails hygienic and healthy.
Keep Your Nails Trimmed and Filed
Long nails can trap dirt and germs more easily. You should keep your nails just above the tip of your finger, trimming as needed. File away any sharp edges that could scratch you by accident. If you have mobility challenges, ask your caregiver or a loved one to help you keep your nails short.
Clean Under Your Nails Regularly
Every time you wash your hands, you should scrub underneath your nails to remove any bacteria that’s lurking. Use antibacterial soap after using the bathroom or before eating a meal to avoid getting sick.
Treat Ingrown Nails Immediately
Ingrown nails can become infected and cause pain, making it harder to walk or use your hands. If left untreated, these infections can spread to other parts of your body, especially if you’re chronically ill or immunocompromised, and cause serious problems.
Make sure to visit a dermatologist or podiatrist as soon as you notice a painful or swollen ingrown nail.
Go Barefoot Sometimes
When you wear shoes and socks all day, moisture from your sweat builds up and can cause foot fungus. Whenever possible, give your feet a break and let them air out. If your mobility allows, you can wear open-toed slippers or slide-style shoes around the house instead.
Don’t Cut Your Cuticles
It’s trendy to cut off your cuticles during a luxurious manicure, but seniors should generally avoid this. Your cuticles help prevent your nail beds from becoming infected. Using cuticle cutters can also scratch your skin and introduce bacteria into the cut, so it’s best to skip this step altogether.
Instead, use a special nail tool to gently push your cuticles backward every so often. You’ll want to try this after a shower or bath while your nails are still soft.
Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
A healthy diet packed with fresh fruits and vegetables can do wonders for your nail health. Certain vitamins and minerals strengthen your nails and help prevent breakage.
As a general rule, try to fill at least half of your plate with fruits and veggies at every meal. Avoid processed snacks and added sugar as much as possible.
The Importance of At-Home Nail Care
Senior nail care is essential for preventing infections and other health problems. It’s important to keep up with your nail care on a regular basis. When you follow these easy tips and tricks, you can maintain strong, healthy nails year-round.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California.
