Nail Care for the Elderly

Nails tend to grow at a slower rate over time, decreasing by around 0.5% per year from age 25 onwards. For elderly people, nails grow very slowly, and studies suggest they can become thicker, more brittle, misshapen, and discoloured, developing a yellow tint. Without regular nail care, this can lead to pain and mobility issues.

Elderly people are more at risk of developing a number of nail disorders. Onychomycosis is thought to be the most common, representing around 50% of all nail conditions. It has a high recurrence rate in ageing adults, but can be managed with regular sanitization techniques. Another common condition is onychorrhexis, which causes nails to split and become brittle, flakey or soft. Ingrown toenails are also a regular problem for elderly people, resulting from infrequent nail trimming. 

It can be difficult for elderly people to take proper care of their own nails due to mobility and dexterity limitations. Frequent trimming can prevent ingrown toenails and discomfort, cleaning can prevent fungal infections developing, and moisturising can keep nails and cuticles hydrated and healthy – at Home Instead, we can provide this as a regular service.

Neglected nails can cause infections, and with a potentially weakened immune system, these can be more serious in old age. Nail care could also positively impact the mental health of elderly people, as studies suggest beauty therapy – including foot massages, as offered by our Home Instead service – can have psychological benefits that promote a sense of emotional wellbeing. 

It is advised that elderly people trim their toenails regularly. As a general rule this should be carried out every 6-8 weeks, but if you or your loved one’s nails tend to grow very fast, they may require more frequent trims. It is usually best to have someone inspect the nails regularly to identify any signs of nail conditions or overgrowth.

Nail growth slows down with age, and elderly people often have thicker toenails as a result of a buildup of nail material. Health conditions like diabetes and fungal infections can also lead to thicker nail growth. 

Prevention is better than treating conditions that have already developed, and the best way to prevent nail problems in the elderly is to regularly inspect feet for illness, clean and moisturise, and trim toenails. Adequate, comfortable footwear should also be encouraged as sometimes shoe sizes can change in old age, so getting measured is important. 

Elderly people must exercise extreme caution when attempting to cut their own nails, as they may have reduced flexibility, movement and vision, making accidental injuries much more likely. This can make nail maintenance challenging, but professional nail care can reduce the risk of complications and keep nails healthy. 

Yes. Our Care Professionals are there to help ageing adults maintain healthy nails and feet, no matter their age or level of mobility. You may wish to start a regular nail maintenance routine now to prevent painful nail conditions later in life, prepare for the future when you may not be able to manage them alone, or just to enjoy the rejuvenating massage provided during your visit – there are many reasons to start receiving professional nail care at home. If you have any questions, you can reach out to our team to learn more about how we can help.