According to the Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine, 75 percent of Canadians will experience a foot problem at some point in their lives. The Canadian Diabetes Association has also highlighted the increased risk of serious foot injuries for Canadians living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

“People, especially seniors, usually seek in-home foot care services because they have an issue with their feet and have limited mobility,” says Sylvia Gauthier, a Registered Practical Nurse and foot care supervisor at Spectrum Health Care. That’s where the experts come in. “When we are with clients, not only do we assess and treat their feet, we also take the time to educate our clients and their family members. We talk about cutting toenails straight across, the benefits of soaking your feet, and how to apply lotion or emollient so that your feet don’t become dry,” she says.

Help available at home or away

Along with foot care clinics throughout the city, our foot care nurses are mobile and can conduct house calls to patients unable to visit a clinic, or those living in select retirement homes, long-term care facilities or even hospital rooms.

Though our foot care nurses receive specialized education to help with maintenance and education, it is important to note they aren’t pedicurists, or doctors like chiropodists and podiatrists. “We don’t address things like plantar fasciitis, but we do look at the shoes patients wear to make recommendations,” Gauthier says.

The advice provided by nurses can play a critical part in maintaining the vitality of the feet. Plus, booking an appointment doesn’t require a doctor referral, giving patients the flexibility to take care of their feet whenever they can, wherever they are.

If you or someone you know is in need of mobile foot care services, visit Spectrum Health Care’s website to learn more.