As expected, Canada’s population is aging rapidly. According to Stats Canada, there are nearly 1 in 4 Canadians 65 or older in 2025. This shift in demographics is driving more demand for specialized foot care. What does this mean for nurses? It means a growing role in preventing and managing foot problems that sadly affects many seniors such as diabetic ulcers, arthritis, and circulatory diseases. Foot care nurses have advanced understanding of these challenges and are able to address or help manage providing better patient health outcomes, reduce hospitalizations, and improve quality of life for Canadian seniors.
Why Foot care matters more than ever for Canadian Seniors?
1. Rising Rates of Diabetic foot ulcers
1 in 4 Canadians with Diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime, with seniors at the highest risk due to risk factors such as neuropathy, poor circulation, and delayed wound healing. Foot ulcers are also a leading reason for amputation and hospitalizations among seniors, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention.
2. Common Foot Problems
Diabetic Foot ulcers
Unmanaged high blood sugars can overtime damage nerve and blood vessels leading to loss of sensation or delays in wound healing. Small nicks, cuts, or wounds may develop over time due to lack of awareness. Regular foot exams along with excellent diabetic management which may include regular fasting glucose check, HgA1C check, and compliance with medications and good diet and exercise as recommended by your health care professionals are the key to preventing diabetic foot ulcers.
Arthritis and foot deformities
Normal wear and tear over time, trauma or injury, wrong shoes, or genetics can cause issues over time. These may affect abilities to walk or limit range of motion, and cause discomfort. Treatment and management may include regular foot exams, custom orthotics, supportive footwear, consult with podiatrist, and pain management
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
This is a condition that causes poor blood circulation and slow healing. Seniors should consider regular foot exams, using proper shoes, offloading, and monitoring for wounds to prevent complications. Foot care nurses can help with regular foot exams, recommending shoes, and refer to vascular specialists or podiatrists for further management as needed.
Fungal infections
Yellow, crumbling, and thickening of your nails are signs of a fungal infection. Shoes are the perfect place for fungus to grow. In addition to weakened immune systems, fungal infections are very common with seniors and may take time to treat, causing unpleasant toe nails. Along with other foot problems mentioned in this blog, always consult with your doctor before starting medical treatments. Antifungal treatments are available both behind the counter and over the counter. Excellent foot care hygiene will help prevent fungal infections by performing regular foot washing with soap and water and ensuring to dry in-between your toes.
3. Economic and person cost
According to CIHI, foot complications in seniors lead to longer hospital stays, higher healthcare cost, and reduced independence. Diabetes Canada reports preventative care including regular foot assessments and patient education can reduce amputations by 50%.
How can nurses provide effective and compassionate foot care?
1. Conduct Regular Foot Assessments
Regular exams especially for high risk patients such as diabetic, history of foot ulcers, and PAD. Use tools like a monofilament and doppler ultrasounds to assess sensation and circulation.
2. Educate patients and caregivers
Teaching seniors to inspect their feet daily for cuts, swelling, and discolouration. Emphasize the importance of proper footwear and moisturizing to prevent dry and cracked skin as these can lead to infections.
3. Collaborate with other healthcare providers
Work with podiatrist, wound care specialist, and primary care providers to create a personalized care plan. Refer patients to specialists or vascular clinics as needed.
4. Use preventative Interventions
Regular advance foot care and recommend therapeutic footwear, custom orthotics, and offloading devices to reduce pressure and prevent ulcers.
5. Provide compassionate and holistic support
Address pain management and mobility challenges to help seniors stay active and independent. Having foot problems can be frustrating and may lead to loneliness and emotional stress. Foot care nurses can offer emotional support and connect seniors to community resources to help maintain a healthy mental health.
Key takeaways:
Canadian seniors need specialized foot care to maintain excellent foot care, and prevent complications. Prevention is important such as regular foot assessments, and education. These can help keep seniors healthy and independent, and reduce healthcare costs. Nurses can collaborate with other health care providers to provide comprehensive and personalized care plans, in addition to providing compassionate and holistic nursing care.
Now what? What can you do next?
Share this article to raise awareness about senior foot care. Follow this link to read and download the Diabetes Canada’s Foot Care guidelines. Contact a local foot care nurse to learn more and start your treatment.
Resource:
diabetes.ca/DiabetesCanadaWebsite/media/Advocacy-and-Policy/Diabetes_CND_24HR_InfoSheets.pdf