Nail care for Geriatric clients
Nail care is one of the most commonly overlooked grooming needs among elderly clients, both by caregivers and care center staff. In many states, care staff are not permitted to trim fingernails or toenails due to liability and scope-of-practice limitations. As a result, clients are often left with only two options: waiting for a podiatry appointment or visiting a nail professional. Unfortunately, many older adults have a strong aversion to having their feet touched or nails clipped. This resistance may stem from previous negative experiences—times when they were cut, rushed, or handled without adequate sensitivity. For clients with dementia or mobility challenges, the fear or discomfort can be even more pronounced. Because of this, high-quality tools, proper training, and genuine patience are essential when providing nail services to geriatric clients. Nails may be overgrown, tender, thickened, fungal, or painful, and the client may be anxious or easily startled. When approached with skill and compassion, nail care becomes more than a grooming service—it becomes an important part of maintaining comfort, dignity, and mobility.