Nail Care is an Important Healthy Habit

Taking good care of fingernails not only looks good, it’s an important health habit. The fingernails are one of the areas of the body most exposed to the food we eat so anything that is on them may touch the foods we eat when eating anything handheld. The undersides of fingernails are the perfect gathering spot for dirt, germs, and bacteria so to help your loved one stay healthy, making sure these areas are clean and well cared for is an important part of helping your loved one stay healthy. Personal care at home aides can assist with proper care of mail.

Personal Care at Home Totowa NJ – Nail Care is an Important Healthy Habit

Elderly Nail Care Struggles

Most of us quickly learn how to care for our nails as we age, but once your elderly loved one gets older, she may not be able to care for her nails as easily. Conditions such as arthritis may make it difficult for her to hold a nail clipper safely. Poor eyesight may make it difficult to see well enough to thoroughly clean them. Cognitive issues can make even basic nail care a hurdle that’s impossible to overcome.

Personal Care at Home Providers Can Help with Nailcare

If you’re unable to help your loved one with her nail care every week, you should consider having a personal care at home provider visit to examine and care for your loved one’s nails. If your loved one is resistant, you can make it into a “spa” day by having some nice music on, lighting a candle, and if desired, having her nails painted afterward.

While visiting, the personal care at home provider will offer a variety of care methods. You can cater them to what you and your loved one desire, but here are the most recommended.

Examine nails and hands for any injuries or infections. If your loved one lives on her own, it can be helpful to have someone else examine her hands and nails each week to address any injury concerns. Your loved one may not even notice that a hangnail has gotten infected and needs treatment.

Wash hands and nails. Your personal care at home provider will give your loved one’s hands a good, long soak and use mild soap to clean up all of the nooks and crannies. Having a nail brush on hand will help them clean underneath each nail to eliminate anything that has built up there over the week.

Moisturize the hands and nails. Older hands and nails get dry easily, especially in the winter when forced heat is used to keep our living environments warm. Moisturizer should be gently applied to the entire hand as well as the cuticle beds of the nails to keep them healthy. If your loved one struggles with hangnails (those little flaps of skin that peel away from the cuticle and then get caught on everything), the personal care at home provider may use some cuticle oil to keep those areas soft and healthy.

Trim the nails. Regular trimming prevents breakage and buildup of material under the nails. It can also prevent accidental scratches. The nails should be trimmed straight across and kept short but not too short.

Paint on special occasions. Once in a while, it can be fun to get the fingernails dolled up for a day out or a night out. Your personal care at home provider can help by applying several coats of nail polish to make them shine for the occasion.

If you or a senior family member are considering hiring Personal Care at Home Services in Totowa NJ, please get in touch with the caring staff at Caring Solutions Home Care LLC.

Providing in-home senior care, servicing Bergen & Passaic Counties. Call today at (973) 427-3553.