Toenails

[QAGS]

I am unable to get down to clip my toenails, I am registered with NHS Podiatry, I rang them , and as it wasn't an emergency they couldn't help. I live alone age 83, also have Osteoporosis as well as RA, any ideas please?

[allanah]

Call your local council and explain ... they are good at helping people who are stuck at the moment ,

[AgedCrone]

Toe nail cutting has sadly been removed from NHS Podiatry treatment,..maybe somebody like AgeUK in your area will be able to guide you to a peducurist who will will cut toe nails....but it would be charged.

[QAGS in reply to AgedCrone]

thank you, but last time I attended they insisted that I should go to them at NHS Podiatry from time to time to have my toe nails cut. I explained that I had a pedicure every month, but they said that wasn't enough, and they needed to keep an eye on my feet due to my RA.

[AgedCrone in reply to QAGS]

So maybe toenail cutting was removed from NHS treatment after you were told that?

All you can really do nowt is wait until you have an appointment for something else & ask then, or write a letter explaining your situation to whoever treats you,

I hope you get sorted soon.

[nomoreheels]

Unfortunately because of the present situation my NHS Podiatry Dept are only seeing people with open or urgent advice wounds or emergencies. I see mine pretty regularly to have corns removed from the base of my foot,& I was advised to buy a quality remover for the interim, (not corn pad as they're not suitable for where they're situated). My toenails are always cut at my appointments too. I wonder, could you contact Age UK as AC says, I think they would be able to either help or suggest someone who can. Enter your postcode on this link for your local one ageuk.org.uk/services/in-yo...

[Pat9442]

For Info

In our area Age UK have suspended all appointments with no idea when they will start again. There is also at least a three month wait - if not more - before you get a first appointment. The cost is around £15

[springcross]

Hi QAGS. My brother-in-law who is 85 contacted Age Concern and they arranged it for him. It cost somewhere around £17 last year. I don't know if the COVID-19 would affect appointments now though - I have just checked on their website and all toe nail cutting appointments are on hold at the moment.

[HappykindaGal in reply to springcross]

It has. Podiatrists are only able to see emergencies for the time being.

[springcross in reply to HappykindaGal]

That's a shame isn't it.

[HappykindaGal in reply to springcross]

It is, but it makes sense. They wear PPE for emergencies and don't want it taken away from frontline staff. The directive is coming from the College of Podiatrists. I would imagine that they will be one of the first groups of people that the restrictions are lifted for as they take the strain from NHS

[orange33]

I have to. Pay for my toe nails to be cut as I can't do them myself. I was told NHS will not do them.

[BoneyC in reply to orange33]

Ditto, for 18 years, since cervical spine fusion, 3 hip replacements, I can't cut toe nails but never been offered NHS podiatry, always had to pay - £30 per time currently.

[springcross in reply to orange33]

Yes, my b-i-l was told they no longer did it.

[HappykindaGal]

My main client base is podiatrists. I’m so sorry, but they have been told by their college that they are only able to see people in emergencies and nail clipping doesn’t fit that.

On the positive side, they will be one of the first people that will be able to practice again due to people with diabetes etc..needing regular checks.

Can a friend help you?

[QAGS in reply to HappykindaGal]

well a friend could help, but what about distancing?

[Kingsley09]

I’ve got a long handled pair of nail cutters which I never use because I have my nails cut by a beautician but know she’s closed I’m going to try sitting on the bed and give it a go with these long handled pair won’t be wonderful if I manage it but at least they will be less uncomfortable as they are beginning to get uncomfortable because of the length I have osteoporosis and osteoarthritis but if I manage I’m going to feel its a victory over this nasty virus or have you got a member of your family who could wrap up in a jacket put a scarf around there face and wear gloves and do them for you

[QAGS in reply to Kingsley09]

yes, it may come to that, thanks Kingsley09