Podiatric services in long-term care facilities

The 1981 White House Conference on Aging in its Recommendation Number 148 stated that "comprehensive foot care be provided for the elderly in a manner equal to care provided for other parts of the body." This key position speaks to the need and right of foot care for all. The inclusion of appropriate podiatric services in long-term care programs will often produce dramatic effects. Immobility can be replaced by activity. Quality of care translates into improved quality of life. Support and encouragement can be directed to independence and a strong sense of personal identify and worth. Isolation can be replaced by interaction. When the quality of life decreases due to disease, disability, or age, those precious aspects of dignity must be restored to a maximum level by caring staffs. Because ambulation is a catalyst for life, podiatric care can help regain some of the lost dignity by keeping the patient walking and moving about, so that he or she can accept and participate in the social activities provided by the facility.