Wellness

[BirkiLady]

@Seannie  Finding someone to do nails is difficult in the best assisted care facility. I've looked and been unable to find someone to help! So, I took care of my mom's nails myself for many years. Toenails was never a problem; a Podiatrist will take care of them and it is paid by Medicare. One of those weird things that isn't included. (Other posters are correct about soaking the finger tips first to soften the cuticles and nailbeds.)

It sounds like your relative may need some In-home Health Care Service. Could you (or your husband) contact her physician and ask for a reference? It would help with hygiene and help her husband, who the primary caregiver. I don't know if Health Care Services ever do a sliding-scale fee, but ask about how they charge and what would be feasible for your relatives to afford.

Sounds like her husband is an amazing man for doing everything on his own so far, but he needs help. Thanks for caring for your relative. Best wishes to all of you in finding some relief in this situation. 

[RedTop]

My husband is 66 and a diabetic.   His nails are NEVER cut, they are filed down with a special sander type of file.   He goes to the VA every 6 weeks to get his toenails done, and he buys a certain type of salon nail file for his fingernails.  His doctor stresses NO cutting.    

[151949]

@RedTop Yes, diabetics and the elderly should only have nails filed or cut by professionals. Even as nurses working in ICU we were not allowed to cut nails - we had to file them only or call the podiatrist. 

[BirkiLady]

@151949 @Seannie @RedTop @juperier @sidsmom  I'm diabetic and do clip my own nails and toenails. They have always been really strong and filing is not possible. As a child, mom couldn't work with them. Dad used to care for my nails! He'd even make sure the "half moons" were perfect. Using large clippers after a long soaking bath is the only way to soften them, then I use a file to gently shape and clean up any rough edges only. Takes just a couple of minutes.  I do not have my nails done because our State does not regulate Manicures and Pedicures (technicians and procedures). Figured I was healthier doing it myself as a diabetic!

[RedTop]

@BirkiLady,

20 years of diabetes has advanced to peripheral artery disease with my husband.   His circulatory system is not what it used to be; poor circulation in his legs and feet, and healing the slightest cut or scrape on his body requires a lot of attention.  

Two years ago he had to have a skin cancer removed which resulted in a large wound on his back.   We were overly cautious in keeping that wound clean and free of infection.  

For him, it’s just not safe to cut his nails and risk any open wound that could get infected.   

[BirkiLady]

@RedTopSorry to hear that; know how difficult it is. Also have neuropathy in feet and upper legs. Even my balance is effected in unfamiliar places! Others would think I was drunk. I'm not; just cannot feel where my feet at placed.

I have that coming up in August. Found something in my hair that didn't feel right. During my Medicare Physical my PCP said it was cancerous and made an appt. with a dermatologist for removal. First appt. was in late August with the best Dermatologist he could recommend! I wan't anxious until seeing these posts. 

Trust my PCP 150% and know he's sending me to a really good Dermo. So, I'll have to trust this guy also! Sometimes it sucks to be single. Put on a big smile and wing the brave-thing! So far, it works.

[BeccaLou]

Maybe go on line and google maybe a special technique.