The Hidden Cost of Neglect: Why In-Home Foot Care Services Are About Dignity, Not Vanity

Jenna Fralick, BScN RN

The Things We Don’t Talk About: Feet, Shame, and Silent Suffering

When we talk about aging, we often talk about mobility, independence, and staying safe at home. But we rarely talk about feet—until they become a problem. For many older adults and persons living with disabilities, painful feet, thickened nails, corns, infections, and untreated wounds are quietly endured for months—or even years.

It’s not because they don’t care. It’s because they’ve been taught not to complain. Because they don’t want to burdentheir families. Because they’re embarrassed. And because the system isn’t built to help with this.

At Remember When HealthCare, we’ve seen firsthand what a lack of proper foot care can do: reduced mobility, chronic pain, infections, hospitalizations, and in some cases—amputation. It’s time we call it what it is: a quiet crisis.

What Are In-Home Foot Care Services—and Who Really Needs Them?

In-home foot care services are specialized health services delivered by a licensed foot care nurse, often in the client’s home. These services can include:

• Toenail trimming (especially for thick, curved, or hard nails)

• Corn and callus removal

• Diabetic foot assessments and care

• Monitoring skin integrity and circulation

• Wound care and early detection of complications

• Personalized education and prevention strategies

These are not spa services. They are nursing interventions that prevent pain, wounds, hospitalizations, and amputations—and improve overall well-being.

The truth is: people who benefit from in-home foot care are often those who can no longer safely reach their own feet. That includes:

• Seniors with arthritis, vision loss, or balance issues

• Persons living with disabilities who need assistance with personal care

• People with diabetes or neuropathy

• Post-surgery patients or those recovering from illness

• Family caregivers overwhelmed with responsibilities

In a 2022 Canadian study, 1 in 3 older adults surveyed said they experienced foot pain weekly, and nearly 25% had difficulty walking due to foot problems—but the majority had never accessed formal foot care (Lee & Worsley, 2022).

Dignity Starts at the Feet: Why Good Foot Health Changes Everything

We often hear stories like this:

“My dad stopped going out, said he just didn’t feel steady anymore. Then we found out—his toenails were so overgrown they were curling into his skin. He was embarrassed to say anything.”

This is not rare. Lack of regular foot care leads to:

• Avoidance of walking or movement

• Increased fall risk

• Social isolation

• Difficulty with shoes, socks, or hygiene

• Pain that is hard to express

In-home foot care services don’t just improve physical health and minimize pain—they restore confidence, safety, and self-respect. When someone feels too ashamed to take their socks off, they’re not just uncomfortable—they’re silently suffering.

Burnout, Barriers, and Why Families Delay Asking for Help

Many family caregivers feel overwhelmed and guilty. You may think:

• “It’s just toenails—I can help with that.”

• “Mom will be upset if I bring someone in.”

• “Is this even covered by healthcare?”

But here’s the truth:

• Foot care is difficult and risky if you're not trained—especially for people with diabetes or circulatory issues.

• And most importantly, this is not a small issue. It affects every aspect of life.

• It is almost always covered by insurance - with no physician referral needed!

When caregivers try to handle foot care themselves, they often feel uncertain, fearful of hurting their loved one, and emotionally drained. This is where a certified and trained foot care nurse makes all the difference.

Beyond the Basics: When Foot Care Saves Lives

Let’s be clear—neglected foot problems can become medical emergencies.

According to the Canadian Association of Wound Care (2023):

• Over 85% of diabetic amputations are preventable.

• Routine nail care and callus removal can significantly reduce wound risk.

• Early nursing intervention reduces hospital admissions and ER visits.

Yet foot care remains one of the least talked-about needs in home health. Why? Because it’s seen as cosmetic, not clinical. But every nurse who’s ever unwrapped a foot with an infected ulcer knows otherwise.

We have to stop calling it “just toenails.”

How RWHC is Reimagining Home Foot Care With Compassion

At Remember When HealthCare, our mobile foot care nurses are trained, licensed, and experienced in providing safe, gentle, and personalized care—right in your home.

We bring:

• Proper tools and equipment

• Experience in managing complex health conditions

• A calm, respectful approach that protects your loved one’s dignity

We also know how hard it is to get foot care through the public system. That’s why we’re offering fast, accessible appointments—no long waitlists, no confusion, just compassionate care.

We work with seniors, adults with disabilities, and families who feel stuck. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Ready to Take the First Step? Let’s Talk.

Whether it’s for you, your parent, or a client you support, remember this:

Taking care of feet is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for dignity and independence.

We’re now accepting bookings for in-home foot care appointments across Nova Scotia.

📞 Call us at 902-497-0722 to schedule an in-home foot care appointment.

Prefer a clinic setting?

We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our new Advanced Foot Care Clinic in Bedford, located at:📍 38 Ella Lane, Suite 204, Bedford, NS

You can book online now for September appointments at www.rwhc.janeapp.com

References

Canadian Association of Wound Care. (2023). National best practice guidelines for diabetic foot ulcers.https://www.cawc.net

Lee, S. & Worsley, P. (2022). Exploring foot health in older adults: A Canadian perspective. Journal of Geriatric Foot Care, 14(2), 45–52.

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2023). Foot health and fall prevention among Canadian seniors.https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html