Podiatric assessment of the geriatric patient

The final report of the 1981 White House Conference on Aging stated the following: Recommendation number 148: Comprehensive foot care be provided for the elderly in a manner equal to care provided for other parts of the human body, to permit patients to remain ambulatory.

Remove current Medicare exclusions which preclude comprehensive foot care. Given the high prevalence of foot problems in the elderly, especially in those patients who have chronic diseases and mental health problems, foot care is essential. Keeping patients walking is a goal that needs to be met if older persons are to maintain a high degree of quality in their lives. Foot health, care, and foot health promotion should be a part of comprehensive health care for older Americans. The ability to remain active and ambulatory is one means of assuring independence, dignity, and self-esteem for the elderly. To accomplish this aim, practitioners must think comprehensively and recognize that team care is an essential part of chronic disease management in the older patient. Foot health education, such as programs developed by the Pennsylvania Diabetes Academy of Pennsylvania, is available to patients and professionals and should be employed. Adults with chronic disease and older patients are at high risk for foot-related disease and should have access to continuing foot assessment, education, surveillance, and care. For this population, the ability to prevent complications and maintain mobility and ambulation will be reflected in their quality of life and their ability to remain mentally alert and active in their communities.