Foot care is so important for any patient who may struggle to communicate

Caring for a long-term patient's toe-nails is extremely important. Most hospitals, Nursing Homes and Care homes offer a podiatry service but others expect the relatives to organise for someone to attend to their loved ones feet.

Either way, it can be wise to check who is supposed to be organising that care. Often the demands of the service are great and, sometimes, many weeks can pass before a patient is seen.

Most hospitals are not keen for relatives to take on this responsibility without checking with staff first. Some conditions mean that the patient is unable to tell the person when they are hurting them. Also, for people with damage to their nerves or skin, a small cut can cause a great deal of problems.

Jill