Reedsfield Care's foot care support is routine, non-clinical help for someone who finds it difficult to reach, wash, dry or look after their feet as part of daily personal care. It is not podiatry, diagnosis or clinical treatment. Carers do not treat foot conditions or replace advice from a GP, nurse or registered podiatry professional. Their role is to help with an agreed everyday routine and to report a new concern promptly.
A person may be able to manage most personal care but struggle to bend, balance or see their feet clearly. An agreed visit can include help washing the feet, drying carefully, putting on clean socks and using ordinary moisturiser if that is already part of the person's routine and is suitable for them. A carer can also help someone put on comfortable footwear that the person or their clinician has chosen.
Carers can notice and report something that looks different, such as broken skin, swelling, unexpected colour change, heat, pain or a sore area. Reporting is not diagnosis. The concern should go to the person, their family where appropriate, and the relevant health professional according to the care plan. If urgent medical help is needed, the usual NHS routes apply.
The task must be safe for both people. The assessment looks at where the person sits, whether they can lift or position a foot comfortably, and whether equipment or professional advice is already in place. A rushed or awkward routine is avoided.
Help washing and drying feet during personal care
Support with clean socks and ordinary footwear
Help following an existing non-clinical daily routine
Observation and reporting of visible changes or discomfort
Signposting back to an appropriate health professional
What this service does not cover
This is not a substitute for podiatry or medical care. Reedsfield does not present routine home care as treatment for pain, infection, wounds, circulation problems or any other foot condition. Carers do not diagnose a problem, prescribe products, alter a clinician's instructions or carry out a procedure that belongs with a qualified health professional.
Nail cutting is not included where it would be unsafe or where clinical foot care is needed. Anyone with diabetes, reduced sensation, poor circulation, an open wound, persistent pain or a known foot condition should follow advice from their GP, diabetes team, nurse or podiatry service. Families should not delay professional advice because a home care visit is booked.
Who may find routine support useful
This practical help may suit an adult whose movement, eyesight, balance or hand strength makes ordinary foot hygiene difficult. It can also be included temporarily after an operation when bending or reaching is restricted, provided the surgical team's instructions allow it. The service is about completing a familiar daily task safely, not introducing a treatment plan.
Some people need only occasional help. Others include foot hygiene in a regular personal care visit. If the need is mainly clinical, Reedsfield will not describe routine care as the answer and the person should seek the appropriate professional service.
How support is arranged and connected
During the assessment, Reedsfield asks what the person currently does, why it has become difficult, and whether a clinician has given any instructions. The agreed task is written into the care plan so carers know the boundaries. Any changes noticed during a visit are recorded and passed on through the agreed route.
Routine foot care usually forms part of personal care rather than a large package on its own. It can sit alongside dressing, help with safe movement, companionship or short-term care after an operation. Shopping support may help obtain the person's usual socks, toiletries or footwear, but carers do not choose medical products or make clinical recommendations.
Call 01784 740078 or use the enquiry form to explain what help is needed. Reedsfield will say whether the request fits routine home care and will not present the service as podiatry or treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a podiatry service?
No. It is routine, non-clinical support with everyday foot hygiene, socks and footwear. It does not diagnose or treat foot conditions.
What happens if a carer notices a sore or another change?
The carer records and reports the concern through the agreed care plan. A GP, nurse, diabetes team or podiatry professional should assess anything clinical.
Can foot care be part of a personal care visit?
Yes. Where it is safe and agreed in the care plan, routine washing, drying and help with socks can form part of personal care.
