When it comes to senior healthcare, one area that often gets overlooked is foot care. Yet for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, routine visits with a podiatrist are essential—not only for comfort, but also to maintain mobility, prevent injury, and improve quality of life.
From nail care to wound care, proactive foot health can prevent some of the worst complications seniors face, especially those with chronic conditions like diabetes or peripheral vascular disease.

One of the most common questions we hear from caregivers and facility staff is:
How often should seniors have their feet checked by a podiatrist?
The answer varies depending on individual health status, risk factors, and current foot conditions—but regular assessments are a must, especially in a senior population that may not be able to care for their own feet.
Learn more about our onsite podiatric services.
Why Foot Health Matters in Long-Term Care Facilities
Seniors living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities often deal with limited mobility, chronic diseases, and reduced ability to manage their hygiene. This makes them especially vulnerable to foot issues like:
- Fungal infections
- Ingrown toenails
- Pressure ulcers
- Corns and calluses
- Loss of sensation due to diabetic neuropathy
- Poor circulation linked to peripheral vascular disease
Even a minor injury, like a small cut or blister, can quickly become a serious infection if left untreated. Routine podiatric care is essential to prevent these issues and catch early signs of complications before they escalate.
General Guidelines for Foot Exam Frequency
So, how often is “routine” foot care?
It depends on several risk factors. Here are the general guidelines for seniors in long-term care settings:
1. Healthy Seniors (Low Risk): Twice a Year
A biannual foot exam is typically sufficient for residents without chronic conditions, infections, or foot deformities. During this visit, the podiatrist will check for early signs of issues and provide general nail care and hygiene education.
2. Seniors with Diabetes: Every 9–12 Weeks
Diabetic foot care is a critical concern in nursing homes. Seniors with diabetes are at high risk for wound care needs due to nerve damage, slow healing, and poor circulation. These residents should have their feet examined at least every 6–8 weeks.
During these exams, podiatrists will check for:
- Signs of ulcers or skin breakdown
- Reduced circulation or sensation
- Pressure points from footwear or deformities
- Early signs of infection or inflammation
A single untreated wound in a diabetic patient can lead to limb-threatening complications or hospitalization, so frequent visits are a must.
3. Seniors with Peripheral Vascular Disease: Monthly or Bi-Monthly
Those with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) often suffer from poor circulation, which slows healing and raises infection risk. Regular exams—every 4 to 8 weeks—allow for close monitoring and preventative wound care when needed.
PVD can be silent but deadly for the feet. Regular podiatry visits reduce the chances of sudden ulceration or tissue breakdown.
4. Seniors with Limited Mobility or Visual Impairment: Every 2–3 Months
If a resident cannot inspect their own feet or safely clip their nails, they should see a podiatrist every 9–12 weeks. These visits cover essential nail care, callus removal, and skin inspections—tasks that staff may not be trained or authorized to perform.
These seniors are more likely to suffer silently from conditions like pressure sores, infected toenails, or fungal skin infections. Consistent care makes a major difference in quality of life.
5. Nursing Home Residents in General: Quarterly Foot Care as Standard
In most nursing homes, a quarterly podiatry visit is considered standard practice. Many facilities contract with mobile podiatrists who provide care directly on-site, eliminating the need for stressful transport to external clinics.
This system allows for ongoing care, continuity, and better outcomes—especially for residents with chronic foot problems.
What’s Included in a Routine Podiatry Visit in a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility?
Podiatry visits go far beyond nail clipping. A comprehensive senior foot exam may include:
- Inspection for wounds, pressure ulcers, or fungal infections
- Trimming of thick or misshapen nails
- Callus and corn debridement
- Skin hydration and education for caregivers
- Recommendations for orthopedic shoes or insoles
- Vascular and neurologic assessments
- Monitoring of previous wound care progress (if applicable)
For residents with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, these visits could be the difference between walking independently and losing a limb.
5 Hidden Dangers of Delayed Foot Care
The worst outcomes in foot health often occur when problems go unnoticed or untreated. Here are some of the real risks:
- Falls: Painful feet can alter gait and balance, increasing fall risk.
- Ulcers: One pressure ulcer can turn into a chronic wound needing months of treatment.
- Amputation: In diabetic patients, untreated infections can lead to toe, foot, or even leg amputation.
- Sepsis: Foot infections can spread quickly in immunocompromised seniors.
- Depression: Loss of mobility and independence often leads to social withdrawal.
All of these can be prevented—or at least minimized—with consistent podiatric oversight.
Let Quality Podiatry Group manage your residents’ foot care.
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5 Benefits of On-Site Podiatry in Long-Term Care Facilities
Partnering with a podiatry provider that offers on-site visits has multiple advantages for both residents and assisted living/nursing home staff:
- Convenience: No need to arrange transportation or family escorts.
- Efficiency: Multiple residents can be seen in a single day.
- Continuity of care: The same podiatrist can track changes over time.
- Cost-effective: Most services are covered by Medicare or Medicaid for qualified patients.
- Staff education: Facility staff can learn proper foot hygiene practices and early warning signs.
7 Warning Signs That Require Immediate Podiatric Attention
While routine care is key certain red flags that mean a resident in a long-term care facility should be seen by a podiatrist immediately:
- Open sores or wounds
- Swollen, red, or hot areas on the foot
- Foul odor from the foot or nails
- Dark discoloration (a possible sign of poor blood flow)
- Sudden increase in foot pain
- Ingrown or infected toenails
- Signs of fungal infection spreading
Staff and family members should be trained to spot these issues and alert the care team promptly.
Is your staff in need of training?
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*For facilities under contract only.
Foot Care Is a Team Effort
The best outcomes in senior foot health come from collaboration between podiatrists, caregivers, facility nurses, nursing staff, and families. Here’s how everyone can contribute:
- Staff: Monitor for signs of infection, assist with foot hygiene, and follow up on podiatry recommendations.
- Families: Advocate for frequent nail care, ask questions about diabetic or vascular foot risks, and ensure foot exams are part of the care plan.
- Administrators: Schedule regular podiatry visits and provide time and space for on-site care.
- Residents (when able): Communicate any foot discomfort or changes, and participate in daily hygiene routines.
Don’t Let Foot Health Slip Through the Cracks
Podiatry care is crucial for seniors. Residents should have their feet checked by a podiatrist at least twice a year, and more frequently if they have diabetes, mobility issues, or circulatory concerns. For high-risk patients, foot exams every 9 to 12 weeks can prevent the worst complications—from falls to amputations.
Routine diabetic foot care, nail care, and wound care are not optional—they are essential services that preserve dignity, comfort, and independence for aging adults. By making foot health a regular part of your facility’s care plan, you’re taking an important step toward improving outcomes and reducing avoidable medical crises.
The Quality Podiatry Group professionals are experts in providing comprehensive professional onsite care to seniors in long-term care facilities in Florida and Illinois.
For more information, please call 786-975-2090 (Florida) or 773-321-2681 (Illinois) or email swiseman@qualitypodiatry.com