Elderly Nail Care: Tips for Giving Seniors a Manicure
BrightStar Care
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Mar 06, 2025
Florida - Southwest
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You've trimmed your nails a thousand times, but elderly nail care can feel like a whole new situation. As we age, our fingernails and toenails change. That's why manicures and pedicures are done differently for seniors. Let's look at some common nail problems for seniors, everyday nail care tips and the nitty-gritty on how you can safely manage senior nails.
Common Nail Problems for the Elderly
Healthy young nails are shiny and smooth, with a pink nail bed and undamaged cuticles. But the International Journal of Women's Dermatology(Opens in a new window) reports that the normal aging process causes nails to become more pale, dull and thick. Nails in seniors tend to grow more slowly, are brittle, can break easily and are hard to cut.
Some of the most common issues in elderly nail care are:
- Fungal Infections: These are the most common nail infections, especially for those who are elderly, smoke or have medical conditions like diabetes or circulation problems.
- Brittle Nails and Dry Cuticles: This is often caused by how slow elderly nails grow. The nail spends more time exposed to air, water, sanitizers and nail cosmetics that cause damage.
- Ingrown Toenails(Opens in a new window): This is often caused by poor nail-cutting habits or poor fitting shoes.
Nail Care Tips for the Elderly
The normal nail changes that come with aging mean you'll need to adapt your nail care routine in the following ways:
- Trim Nails Every 6–8 Weeks: The American Academy of Dermatology(Opens in a new window) recommends that you keep your nails short, clean and dry. Nails should be cut straight across with a slight round at the edges. Short nails are less likely to break or catch on objects.
- Get Adequate Nutrition: Nutrition is one of the essential building blocks for strong, healthy nails. The Cleveland Clinic(Opens in a new window) recommends adequate protein, iron and vitamin B to keep nails at their best. Your nutritional needs should be met by eating whole foods, meats, fruits and vegetables. It's important to talk to your doctor if you or your loved one has concerns about proper nutrition.
- Moisturize: Give your hands and feet a little extra love with a nice moisturizer or hand cream before bed. And don't forget your nails and cuticles. You can help restore moisture lost through aging and frequent washing. Rub the lotion into your fingernails and cuticles. The John Hopkins Center(Opens in a new window) recommends using a lotion on your feet, too, if you have dry skin. But skip the area between your toes, as lotion there can increase your risk of fungal infections.
- Protect Your Nails: Treat your nails carefully. Don't bite or chew your fingernails or use them as a tool to pry open soda pop tops. Keep your toenails safe with shoes that fit properly and give your toes room to move. Wearing slip-on shoes at the pool can reduce the risk of fungal infections around your toenails.
- Get Help for Problems: Your nails can provide helpful information about your overall health. If your nails change, swell, separate from the skin, are bleeding or are causing you pain, see your health care provider. This is particularly important if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
How to Give an Elderly Person a Manicure or Pedicure
So now you may be wondering where to start with a senior manicure or pedicure. It's not that different from cutting your own nails—just keep a few precautions in mind. Here's the process:
- Gather Your Equipment: Good, sharp nail cutters will make handling thick nails easier. The AAD recommends a separate nail clipper for fingernails and a toenail clipper for toenails(Opens in a new window). You might want to consider a nail nipper for particularly thick toenails(Opens in a new window). Wash your hands before you start and when you're done. Disinfect your tools by soaking them in 70%–90% isopropyl alcohol, then rinse in hot water and allow to air-dry.
- Soak the Nails: Elderly nails are easiest to cut after they have been soaked. Try cutting nails right after a bath or shower. If this isn't possible, soak hands or feet in warm water for 5–10 minutes before starting your pedicure.
- Cut Straight Across But a Little Above the Nail Bed: Trim nails straight across the nail, leaving a little nail above the nail bed. This reduces the chance of ingrown nails or nipping the skin. Start at one side of the nail and make small, straight cuts across the nail.
- File Them Smooth: Use an emery board or nail file to smooth out any uneven or rough edges. File the nail with small, short strokes, always in the same direction to prevent splintering the nail. Make sure there are no sharp edges that could cause cuts in the skin.
- Moisturize and Relax: Once all the nails are soaked, cut and filed, apply a soothing hand cream or lotion. Clean up your equipment and sit back with a nice cup of tea together. Giving your loved one a mani-pedi deserves a reward.
Make Nail Care a Priority
Regular nail care not only helps us feel better about our appearance, but it also is an important part of staying healthy. Keeping an eye out for common nail problems and taking a few extra steps to keep your loved one's nails in good shape can prevent more serious problems. If you're taking care of a senior and could use some in-home help, speak with a BrightStar Care® representative.
BrightStar Care® can assist with personal care, grooming and bathing in your home. BrightStar Care® caregivers are compassionate and qualified home care providers. Whether you're looking for in-home care services or assisted living for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization, our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online or call (866) 618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care® offers A Higher Standard®.
- To view the original version of this article visit www.brightstarcare.com/about-brightstar-care/resources/elderly-nail-care/
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
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Local Services By This Author
BrightStar Care of Naples & Ft. Myers
Non-MedicalBrightStar Care is a leading in-home care agency that has been serving Lee and Collier counties since 2006. With a wealth of experience spanning 18 years, we have become a trusted name in providing compassionate and professional care to individuals within the comfort of their own homes. At BrightStar Care, we offer a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of our clients, including both Medical and Non-Medical Care. Our non-medical care, also referred to as non-skilled care, includes assistance with IADLs such as transportation, meal preparation, medication reminders light housekeeping, laundry and ADLs such as assistance with personal care needs, transferring, and feeding. Our medical care, also referred to as skilled care, services encompass more complex medical needs with care being provided by an LPN or RN. Some of the Skilled services we offer include case management, medication management, medication administration and teaching, wound care and wound vac, disease education and monitoring, IV treatments and line maintenance, catheter and ostomy care, home safety evaluation and much more. In addition to non-skilled and skilled care, BrightStar Care takes pride in offering physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) services. Our team of licensed therapists collaborates closely with clients to develop personalized treatment plans, aiding in the restoration of independence, improvement of mobility, and enhancement of overall quality of life. Another aspect that sets BrightStar Care apart is our medical staffing services. We understand the significance of having qualified and reliable healthcare professionals in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Through our medical staffing solutions, we provide healthcare organizations with certified nursing assistants, skilled nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals on either a temporary or permanent basis. As an organization, we hold the prestigious Joint Commission Accreditation, which represents the gold standard in healthcare. This accreditation validates our commitment to delivering the highest standard of in-home care through quality and safety. Our dedication to providing top-notch care is further exemplified by our rigorous care team member selection and training processes. We carefully choose and train our care team members to ensure they possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and compassion to provide exceptional care to our clients. Furthermore, our thorough screening process, including background checks, drug testing, and reference verifications, instills peace of mind in our clients. Additionally, all our care team members undergo extensive hands-on training with our Director of Nursing, which includes comprehensive skills review, disease-specific training programs, as well as Dementia Live and our own Alzheimer's training called Bright Connections. What truly distinguishes us, however, is our genuine commitment to providing personalized care tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Our Rns create a comprehensive personalized plan of cares for each client. We believe in cultivating meaningful relationships with our clients and their families, creating a warm and supportive environment that promotes overall well-being which is why we created our own program called Purposeful Engagements.In recognition of our efforts to provide peace of mind to clients and their families, BrightStar Care has received numerous awards, including the Home Care Pulse awards for Provider of Choice, Employer of Choice, and Leader in Excellence. When it comes to in-home care, BrightStar Care is the agency of choice for those seeking exceptional care, compassion, and support. Our mission is to enhance the lives of our clients, enabling them to live comfortably and independently in their own homes through delivering a higher standard of in home care and providing peace of mind. Having proudly served Lee and Collier counties for over 18 years, we are excited to continue delivering exceptional in-home care services to our community.
BrightStar Care of Naples & Ft Myers
Home HealthBrightStar Care is a leading in-home care agency that has been serving Lee and Collier counties since 2006. With a wealth of experience spanning 18 years, we have become a trusted name in providing compassionate and professional care to individuals within the comfort of their own homes. At BrightStar Care, we offer a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of our clients, including both Medical and Non-Medical Care. Our non-medical care, also referred to as non-skilled care, includes assistance with IADLs such as transportation, meal preparation, medication reminders light housekeeping, laundry and ADLs such as assistance with personal care needs, transferring, and feeding. Our medical care, also referred to as skilled care, services encompass more complex medical needs with care being provided by an LPN or RN. Some of the Skilled services we offer include case management, medication management, medication administration and teaching, wound care and wound vac, disease education and monitoring, Trach and ventilator management, IV treatments and line maintenance, catheter and ostomy care, home safety evaluation and much more. In addition to non-skilled and skilled care, BrightStar Care takes pride in offering physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) services. Our team of licensed therapists collaborates closely with clients to develop personalized treatment plans, aiding in the restoration of independence, improvement of mobility, and enhancement of overall quality of life. We also participate with "The Guide Program " under Medicare to provide Care navigation and Respite services for those suffering from Dementia. Another aspect that sets BrightStar Care apart is our medical staffing services. We understand the significance of having qualified and reliable healthcare professionals in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Through our medical staffing solutions, we provide healthcare organizations with certified nursing assistants, skilled nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals on either a temporary or permanent basis. As an organization, we hold the prestigious Joint Commission Accreditation, which represents the gold standard in healthcare. This accreditation validates our commitment to delivering the highest standard of in-home care through quality and safety. Our dedication to providing top-notch care is further exemplified by our rigorous care team member selection and training processes. We carefully choose and train our care team members to ensure they possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and compassion to provide exceptional care to our clients. Furthermore, our thorough screening process, including background checks, drug testing, and reference verifications, instills peace of mind in our clients. Additionally, all our care team members undergo extensive hands-on training with our Director of Nursing, which includes comprehensive skills review, disease-specific training programs, as well as Dementia Live and our own Alzheimer's training called Bright Connections. What truly distinguishes us, however, is our genuine commitment to providing personalized care tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Our Rns create a comprehensive personalized plan of cares for each client. We believe in cultivating meaningful relationships with our clients and their families, creating a warm and supportive environment that promotes overall well-being which is why we created our own program called Purposeful Engagements.In recognition of our efforts to provide peace of mind to clients and their families, BrightStar Care has received numerous awards, including the Home Care Pulse awards for Provider of Choice, Employer of Choice, and Leader in Excellence. When it comes to in-home care, BrightStar Care is the agency of choice for those seeking exceptional care, compassion, and support. Our mission is to enhance the lives of our clients, enabling them to live comfortably and independently in their own homes through delivering a higher standard of in home care and providing peace of mind. Having proudly served Lee and Collier counties for over 20 years, we are excited to continue delivering exceptional in-home care services to our community.