As you age, your body becomes more prone to many health problems. One common problem that many aging loved ones experience is foot pain. This can be especially problematic because it prevents them from enjoying activities they enjoy or even getting around as quickly as they used to.
Fortunately, a senior living facility in Harahan, LA, can help you care for your feet. This way, you keep them healthy, so you never have to worry about this issue again!
Keeps You Moving
As you age, your body changes. You may notice that you become more sensitive to pain and other discomforts, such as swelling and joint stiffness. These conditions can make it harder to move around and perform daily tasks like getting dressed or walking across the room.
To help combat these issues, many senior living communities have exercise programs encouraging residents to get out of their chairs daily and engage in physical activity. These activities include walking tours around the neighborhood or indoor games such as bingo or Wii Bowling.
To stay active, look at the nearby local park or walking trail. You can also join group exercises with other residents at the community center or enjoy an afternoon at the pool with friends!
Nutrition and Diet
Diet is a critical factor in maintaining healthy feet, and keeping your diet balanced is essential. As we age, our metabolism slows down, and our bodies become less efficient at processing nutrients from food. This can lead to deficiencies that can cause problems with our skin, hair, and nails.
A healthy diet should include plenty of whole grains (such as whole wheat bread), fresh fruits and vegetables (especially leafy greens), lean proteins like chicken or fish, and dairy products like milk or yogurt.
You should also limit saturated fats in your diet. These foods tend not only to be high in calories but may also contain trans fats, which are bad for your heart health! Try substituting these items with healthier options, such as whole-grain pasta sauces instead of cream sauces. Replacing these unhealthy foods with healthy options will reduce calories without sacrificing taste!
Nurturing Your Relationship with a Podiatrist
Nurturing your relationship with a podiatrist is essential to maintaining healthy feet. Podiatrists are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating foot problems, such as bunions and calluses. They can help look for signs of more severe conditions, like diabetes or arthritis, so it’s important to talk openly with them about any concerns about your feet.
If you last saw a podiatrist some time ago (or ever), consider scheduling an appointment now. If needed, your local senior living community can help connect you with one nearby who specializes in senior care! Their expert team will be able to guide you through this process, ensuring that all residents have access to quality medical care.
Regular Foot Inspections
A regular foot inspection is a vital part of maintaining good foot health. It allows the staff to identify any changes that may have occurred since the last time you had your doctor examine them. An inspection can also help determine your steps to alleviate discomfort or pain.
A comprehensive examination will include the following:
- A visual assessment of your feet (including toes, heels, soles, and arches) for signs of injury or infection
- An examination of how well you’re able to move around on them
- An evaluation of your gait (the way you walk)
Suppose problems such as blisters, calluses, or ingrown nails are detected during this process. Based on their findings, the team will work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
The best part about living in an assisted living community? The team always provides the resources needed for foot health maintenance and treatment. This includes:
- Cleaning shoes regularly
- Washing feet daily (if possible)
- Checking for cuts or bruises regularly
Help with Mobility
Another way a senior living community can help you achieve better foot health is by helping with mobility. Perhaps you have trouble getting around on your own. Many of these communities offer services that allow golden-age adults to stay active and healthy.
For example, some communities have transportation services that can take residents out into the community or even just around town for errands or grocery shopping. In addition to this transportation service, many communities also provide exercise classes for their residents and physical therapy sessions if needed.
Even when you’re not suffering from significant foot problems, a professional’s help can be beneficial. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to improve mobility and strengthen your ankles, knees, and hips. This will help prevent future issues from developing and reduce pain from existing ones.
In addition to improving mobility, these exercises are beneficial if you have arthritis or another condition that makes it difficult to walk on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. That way, you won’t experience discomfort in your joints.
Up-to-Date Equipment
In senior living communities, you’ll find most facilities have the following up-to-date equipment and technology that help you achieve better foot health:
- Digital x-rays: Digital x-ray machines are more cost-effective than traditional films. These machines make it easier for residents to maintain regular checkups with their doctor or podiatrist. They also have the advantage of reducing radiation exposure by 30% compared to traditional films!
- Wound care: Advanced products such as hydrogel dressings and negative pressure wound therapy systems (NPWT). These products can help speed up healing time so you can get back on your feet faster than ever!
Proper Education About Foot Care and Prevention
A senior living community can help you achieve better foot health through proper education. When living alone, washing your feet daily and applying lotion as needed may be challenging. Even if you have a family member or friend who can remind you, they might not remember every day either.
The team at your assisted living community will ensure that everyone has access to information about how best to care for their feet. That way, no one suffers from dry skin or other complications related to this part of the body.
Conclusion
Your feet are the foundation for your body. When you have poor foot health, it can affect other parts of your body as well. For example, suppose you have diabetes or high blood pressure and experience foot pain or sores that won’t heal. This can cause complications with those conditions.
If you’re considering a retirement community, look at the options available in Harahan, LA. If you want more information about our services or would like someone from our team to come out and talk about them personally, please call us today at 985.785.8288.
