Health and Disability

Does the person you’re caring for seem unsteady on their feet? Are they walking more slowly than they used to? While it’s true that dementia can affect mobility and lead people to develop a slow, shuffling walk there are also many other reasons why your loved one might be reluctant to walk around.

So take a look at the checklist below – it might be easier than you think to get them back on their feet.

1. Have you examined their feet?

Skin on your feet becomes more fragile as you age and more prone to

- Bunions, (a bump, usually on the outside of your big toe, which can become red and inflamed)
- Corns and calluses
- Hammer toe (a toe becomes permanently curled)
- Toenail problems (ingrown toenails, fungal infections and abnormally thick nails)

If the person you’re caring for has developed any of the above conditions. Their feet could be very sore – large bunions can cause balance problems too – so it’s no wonder they’ve gone off walking.

2. Have you seen an expert?

A chiropodist or podiatrist (they’re both the same, but most prefer being called podiatrists now) might be able to treat the troubling conditions above and ease pain considerably. Many people with dementia find they can get these services on the NHS so it’s worth checking with your GP before paying.