Generally, for a mid-age adult, it’s best to cut nails dry since they are less likely to tear or bend while cutting. The longer the nails are, the more likely they’ll be to break or snag on clothing. Generally, best practice suggests aiming to clip toenails every 6-8 weeks.
It’s important to cut nails regularly so they don’t get too long. Always make sure to clean the clippers thoroughly after each use to prevent bacteria from growing. Keeping a set of nail clippers for your hands and a separate one for your feet also reduces the chance of transferring bacteria or fungus from your foot to your hand. Toenails are thicker and broader, so they require a larger, wider clipper. To keep your nails healthy, it’s important to keep two clippers on hand – one for fingernails and the other for toenails. Elderly Toe Nail Clipping Safety Tips Opt For Two Pairs of Nail Clippers Dull blades can cause excess pressure, which may be difficult or painful for seniors and those with arthritis. Sharp BladesĪ sharp blade is essential for cutting through tough toenails. Angeled nail clippers are also ideal for combatting ingrown nails. Angled HeadĪ toenail clipper with an angled head is helpful for seniors that are confined to a sitting position. Plus, larger jaws don’t require as much precision threading of the nail between the two blades as a smaller clipper might. Large jaws can be easier to operate for elderly individuals who have difficulty bending over or holding onto smaller clippers. Selecting a set of toenail clippers with an ergonomic, long handle fitted with a rubberized grip can be helpful.
Some seniors may have dexterity issues that impair their ability to hold onto nail clippers or maneuver them properly. What to Look for in a Good Nail Clipper for Seniors Ergonomic Handle This can also be one of the reasons why a senior may develop a resistance to showering or bathing - even basic hygiene can be more intimidating when your eyesight is very poor. Poor eyesight can make it challenging to use a nail clipper with confidence.The lack of flexibility required to bend over makes it difficult to use toenail clippers and access toenails safely.Hand tremors due to musculoskeletal or neurological disorders make keeping a steady hand a challenge, making it even more difficult to keep nails trimmed.Arthritis can make it difficult to operate a standard nail clipper.In addition, seniors who attempt to cut their own toenails may meet a number of challenges, including: This is why it’s always important for seniors to select properly-fitted, wide toebox snow boots and sneakers. Ill-fitting shoes or dropping objects on one’s foot can further damage a fragile foot and nail bed. Lack of circulation also leads to colder toes, which is part of the reason many seniors prefer to wear slippers indoors.
It’s not uncommong for seniors to experience a loss of circulation in the feet, which can further weaken the toe nail. Elderly seniors tend to be at a higher risk of toe nail fungal infections because the immune system may not be as strong and nails are drier, allowing for more cracking and splits where bacteria can get in. This change makes it more difficult to avoid foot problems such as blisters, infections, bunions, etc.Īn elderly foot can be at increased risk also due to: Why Are Seniors Are More Risk for Nail Issues?Īs we get older, our feet become weaker, thinner, and lose elasticity. A yellow nail is often the sign of a fungus infection and should be treated with antifungal cream. It’s not unusual for seniors to find their toe nails becoming duller and even turning shades of yellow. As we age, it’s not unusual to experience toe deformities such as bunions or hammertoes, which can make a toe nail clipping sessions that much more challenging. Elderly toe nails are more prone to breaking because the nail is weaker and has less natural oils, resulting in a drier, more brittle nail. Thick nails can be more challenging to cut, making the nail-trimming process even more frustrating for seniors. In addition, there are various fungal infections that can increase a toe nail’s thickness even more. Nails thicken with age, as the nails slow their rate of growth and thicken as the nail calls (refered to as onychocytes) collect and pile up. Nails can change in a number of ways as we age, with nails often altering in terms of: No swivel, making it potentially difficult for a senior to get the perfect angle.
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