For many people nail care is summarized by cutting, clipping and adding nail polish. But a local manicurist and pedicurist says the growing senior population requires more than a trim.
Proper nail care improves seniors’ mobility, and protects and relieves them from serious health issues, such as infections and warts, she said.
“When you are limited in mobility and vision it’s hard to even recognize that those things are occurring,” said Stacey Kidd, owner of Loving Touch for Seniors, a home-based St. Albert business.
“(Seniors) have a lot of pain and discomfort and it can lead to further and more serious health risks if not treated,” she said.
Kidd said she noticed a lack of senior nail care while working as a caregiver and companion for five years.
After attending the European Institute of Esthetics and MediSpa in Edmonton, she opened her business six months ago, providing mobile manicures and pedicures for people 55 and older.
She now has a steady clientele of 30 people, and has arrangements to look after people at care facilities in Edmonton and St. Albert.
Nail care is often on the bottom of the to-do list for seniors, she said.
“I think most times it’s overlooked and a lot of times you have a child caring for their parents and they are buying groceries and they are clothing their parents and they really just miss nail care,” she said.
“People aren’t paying attention to it and that’s really what drew me to starting the business.”
Not taking care of your nails can cause infections from ingrown nails, cracked heels, athlete’s foot, plantar warts and calluses.
Split nails or white dots on the nail plate can also point to underlying health concerns, such as arthritis and zinc deficiencies.
Kidd recommends seniors have someone look at their hands and feet every four to six weeks.
They should also follow a daily routine of washing and thoroughly drying their feet, and wearing both socks and shoes to increase their balance.
Basic exercises – moving the toes and fingers – can help with blood circulation, especially for diabetic patients.
“I am running into a lot of ingrown toenails or infections where I am hired by say a child who wants me to go in and see their mother and father and weren’t aware of some of the issues,” she said.
While she cannot treat conditions, Kidd said she detects problems and advises her patients to see a doctor or podiatrist.
She also offers massages to the hands and feet to increase blood circulation, strengthen the immune system and reduce stress.
It’s not only the nails that benefit though.
Thanks to the personal service, Kidd said the seniors also have a companion to talk to.
