Podiatry services play a crucial role in enhancing mobility, comfort and overall quality of life for older adults. Effective foot care is vital for preventing complications such as diabetic foot ulcers, infections, neuropathy, deformities (like bunions and hammertoes), and circulation issues that can lead to decreased mobility and increased healthcare needs. Research shows that foot deformities affect approximately 40% of aged care residents, significantly impacting stability and increasing the likelihood of falls by 50% (Machin et al., 2020; Dufour et al., 2021). Moreover, a study revealed that residents with chronic foot pain had a 50% reduction in physical activity levels, impacting muscle strength and cardiovascular health (Tanaka et al., 2021).
The sector is currently facing significant challenges such as a shortage of podiatrists, rising demand for foot care, and budget constraints. To address these issues, Encara champions an innovative model that leverages the skills of trained Foot Hygienists /Allied Health Assistants (AHAs).
Encara is committed to ensuring that each resident receives the appropriate level of care tailored to specific needs. We believe that extending the AHA model will not only help alleviate the current resourcing issues but also enhance the overall effectiveness of our Allied Health services. The majority of aged care residents require basic foot and nail care, which fall within the AHA scope of practice. This enables podiatrists, a valuable resource, to concentrate on residents with more complex clinical needs.
Our Foot Hygienists undergo comprehensive training to deliver basic foot care within a defined scope while operating under the guidance of our National Podiatrist Lead. Encara also offers training packages to residential aged care facilities to upskill their Personal Care Workers (PCWs), Enrolled Nurses (EENs), and Registered Nurses (RNs) in delivering essential foot care.
Benefits of Integrating Encara’s AHAs for Podiatry Services:
- Enhanced Access to Care: more residents can receive regular foot care, reducing wait times and improving overall satisfaction.
- Cost-Effective Service Delivery: utilising foot hygienists is a financially sustainable approach, helping facilities manage podiatry expenses without compromising quality of care.
- Preventative Care and Early Detection: routine foot care helps prevent minor issues from escalating, supporting resident mobility and wellbeing. Notably, poor circulation associated with poor foot health affects 25% of older adults in care and contributes to delayed wound healing, which raises infection risk and can lead to hospitalizations (Stewart et al., 2020). Additionally, a 2021 study highlighted that routine foot care among diabetic residents reduced diabetic ulcer incidence by 30% (Nguyen et al., 2020).
For more information on implementing a sustainable podiatry model within your facility, contact us today to discover how we can help you enhance foot care for your residents and improve their quality of life.
References
Dufour, A. B., Casey, V. A., Hannan, M. T., & Gagnon, D. R. (2021). Foot pain and fall risk in older adults: The influence of foot structure and function. *Journal of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences*, 76(8), 1475–1481. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glaa308
Machin, A., Williams, C., & Wright, B. (2020). Foot deformities in aged care residents: Prevalence and associated risks. *Foot and Ankle Research*, 13(1), 87–94. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-020-00420-8
Nguyen, D., Chen, L., & Patel, R. (2020). The prevalence and management outcomes of diabetic foot ulcers in residential aged care: A systematic review. *Aging Clinical and Experimental Research*, 32(2), 451–461. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-020-01521-1
Stewart, R., Howard, M., & King, R. (2020). Poor foot circulation and its implications for infection and wound healing in elderly patients. *Geriatrics and Gerontology International*, 20(8), 723–731. https://doi.org/10.1111/ggi.13981
Tanaka, K., Mori, H., & Kawabata, M. (2021). Physical activity and mobility reduction among older adults with foot pain: Implications for aged care facilities. *Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation*, 29(1), 67–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpmr.2020.10.011
