Shoes help to stabilize your senior as she walks. They also provide a non-slip surface between her feet and anything on the floor that’s slippery. Is it time to buy new shoes? Then you need these tips.
Buying the Wrong Size Can Be a Problem
Your senior may know what shoe size has been accurate for her in the past, but is that accurate now? Feet do change size over time and there’s a lot that factors into that. It’s important to make sure that you’re getting the correct size for her now. Online shops usually offer methods for measuring feet, and if your senior prefers to buy in person, she can get her feet measured at the store.
Shop or Try on Shoes Later in the Day
Early in the day your senior’s feet are likely to be a little smaller than they are earlier in the day. So, that means trying on and buying shoes early in the day can lead to uncomfortable feet in the afternoon when they’ve swelled a little bit. The best time to shop for shoes or to try them on is later in the afternoon to get a more accurate idea which size fits best.
Use Any Required Inserts as Well as Typical Socks
When you do take your senior to try on or buy shoes, or when she tries them on at home, make sure that she’s using any required inserts. That helps to ensure that the inserts fit and that the shoe is “accurate” as far as what your senior needs. Also, make sure that she uses the same socks to try on new shoes as she would when wearing them.
Try Both Shoes on and Have Your Senior Walk in Them
It’s also important to make sure that your senior tries both shoes on. Many people have slight sizing variations between feet, so it’s important to make sure that both shoes fit both feet. Once the shoes are on, it’s also important for your senior to walk around in them a little bit to test the fit while she’s in motion.
If your elderly family member doesn’t wear shoes during the day because they’re difficult to put on, it might be time to find shoes that are easier to slip on. It’s also a good idea to consider bringing in a caregiver to help your elderly family member with little issues like this.
If you or an aging loved one is considering caregivers in Big Timber, MT, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare Billings today at 406-839-2390.
