Caregiver in Boynton Beach FL
There are some steps that you take to get yourself ready in the morning that you likely put little thought into before your journey as a family caregiver but that you should now consider much more. One of these is what shoes you are going to wear. Before you started caring for your parent you might have thought about issues such as whether the shoes were comfortable, if they went with the outfit you chose for the day, and if they were appropriate for any type of event or activity that you might be doing that day. Now that you are on a caregiver journey with your elderly parent, however, it is important to put more thought into what you put on your feet before you walk through the door to help you handle your parent’s care safely and effectively.
Use these tips to help you choose the right footwear for your caregiver efforts:
- Ensure they fit properly. The fit of your shoes is extremely important to your comfort and safety. If your shoes are too tight they can cause pain, increase the risk of issues such as blisters, corns, and bunions, and compromise your balance and gait. On the other hand, if your shoes are too loose, they can also create friction that may lead to blisters and skin damage, and cause tripping. If you are unsure of how your shoes should fit, consider visiting a shoe store and allowing a professional to measure your feet and suggest shoes that are designed to fit your foot shape and size properly.
- Choose closed shoes. Even during hot weather it is better to choose shoes that are closed rather than flip flops or open sandals. Closed shoes are easier for you to walk in and protect your feet from injuries or other issues. Wearing closed shoes such as tennis shoes provides support around your feet that improves your gait and helps reduce the risk of slipping, tripping, or stepping out of your shoes.
- Ensure a good grip. Sliding or slipping can be very dangerous when you are caring for an elderly adult. If you are helping your walk or providing transferring assistance, being able to stand securely is essential. If your parent puts extra weight or stress on you or you lose your footing, you might slip or slide, potentially causing a fall. In this situation, your parent could fall with you, increasing the chances of serious injury for both of you. Look for shoes that have a strong grip on the bottom.
- Avoid heels. Avoid wearing shoes that have heels. These might make you feel a little taller or as though you look more presentable, but they could also cause you to stumble or lose your balance. This can lead to you twisting your ankle, tripping, or otherwise injuring yourself. Even if you are accustomed to wearing heels, you cannot walk as quickly or as confidently in these as you can on flat shoes. Consider keeping a pair of tennis shoes or other flat shoes in your car so that you can change your shoes if needed throughout the day.
If you or a family member are in need of caregiver services in Boynton Beach, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.
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