How To Give Foot Care
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is it? Foot care means washing a person’s feet every day and keeping the toenails clean. Keeping the feet clean is important to a person’s health. Foot care helps keep the feet healthy, prevent infection, and odor. It also improves blood flow to the feet.
How should a person’s feet be cleaned? Washing a person’s feet depends on how the person is bathed. If he can walk the feet can be washed in the tub or shower. Do the following if the person cannot get out of bed.
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[li]Gather the following items and put them within easy reach.[/li][list]
[li]Gloves, if needed.[/li][li]A large basin with warm water. Use your elbow to test the temperature of the water. Be sure it is not too hot or too cold.[/li][li]Soap.[/li][li]A towel, washcloth, pillow, and a waterproof pad.[/li][li]An orangewood stick. This is the name given to a small wooden stick used to clean under fingernails and toenails. An orangewood stick comes with many nail kits or you can get one at most drug stores.[/li][li]Lotion.[/li][/ul]
[li]Getting the person ready.[/li]
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[li]Put the waterproof pad under the person’s feet to protect the bed from getting wet.[/li][li]Place a pillow under the knees.[/li][li]Cover the person with a blanket or sheet.[/li][li]Put the basin with the warm water on the pad.[/li][li]Wear gloves if there are sores on the feet.[/li][li]Put the feet in the water and let them soak in the basin for about 15 minutes. This softens the skin, loosens dirt, and is relaxing to the person.[/li][/ul]
[li]Washing the feet.[/li]
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[li]Use soap and a washcloth to wash the feet and between the toes. Rinse the soap from the feet and toes.[/li][li]Look for redness, tenderness, or sores on the feet.[/li][li]Call the health caregiver if you have concerns about the person’s feet. Or, if there are new sores or redness on their feet.[/li][/ul]
[li]Drying the feet.[/li]
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[li]Help or remove the feet from the basin.[/li][li]Gently dry the feet and between the toes.[/li][li]With the orangewood stick, carefully clean under the toenails.[/li][li]Tell the health caregiver if the toenails need to be cut. This needs to be done by a person trained in foot care.[/li][li]Gently rub lotion on the feet. Do not put lotion between the toes.[/li][li]Clean and put away all items used.[/li][/ul]
[/list]CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about caring for your feet. You can then discuss your treatment options with your health caregivers. You can work with them to decide what care will be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
Source:
http://www.drugs.com