Fingernail Care for Elderly: Your Complete Guide
Providing fingernail care for older adults is more than a healthcare task, it’s a moment to connect. And at BelleVie, we’re all about taking time to build meaningful relationships and strengthen our community.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of nail cutting for elderly nails, how to do it safely, complete with a list of equipment needed. We’ll also outline the importance of nail care and some of the common problems found with ageing nails.
How Our Nails Age
As we age, the production of the tough form of keratin that make up our nails, changes. When we’re younger, our nails grow at around three millimetres a month. By our golden years, that slows to around two millimetres a month.
Along with a growth decline, fingernails become more brittle, can change colour, and become noticeably thinner (or thicker, which is more common for toenails).
These very common, yet very treatable, nail conditions can lead to uncomfortable splits, ingrown nails, and problematic fungal and bacterial infections.
Why Fingernail Care for the Elderly Matters
It helps to be aware that health conditions can signal through our nails. Poor circulation, diabetes or psoriasis an autoimmune system disfunction can appear as deformities in the nail shape, change their colour, or ‘onycholysis’ where the nail separates from the nail bed.
Aged hands are more delicate, so conditions like hangnails – a torn piece of skin next to the nail – can happen easily. Hangnails and split fingernails are irritating for the people we support and if untreated can lead to nasty and painful infections.
The Essentials of Fingernail Care
Avoiding painful snares and catches on sensitive hands and nails can greatly enhance daily comfort. We've put together a brief guide outlining the steps to keep your nails happy and healthy.
Preparations
To prepare for nail cutting, you’ll need; a nail file, nail scissors, nail clippers, a soft nail brush, clean hand towel, a light moisturiser, small bowl, and potentially a cuticle oil.
It's important to sterilize tools that will be in direct contact with the nail area by placing them in boiling water. When you're ready to get started, ensure you seat your care recipient in a well-lit space where they will be comfortable for a half an hour or so.
Trimming
The best nail shape for ageing hands is straight across with smoothed corners to ward off problematic ingrown nails.
Delicately trim each nail straight across, then softly file the cut surfaces. Give attention to the sides to ensure there are no sharp edges.
Scrubbing, Cleaning & Drying
In a small bowl of warm soapy water, soak their fingertips for a few minutes. With the nail brush, use left to right strokes to clean underneath their nails.
Gently pat the whole hand dry, with particular attention to under the nails as excess moisture can spark a fungal growth.
Cutting Hangnails
The poorly named ‘hangnail’ is actually skin not nail. Don’t rip those as that will take more skin away and be very painful. Cut the loose skin off with sterilised scissors, as close to its base as comfortably possible.
For deeper hangnails, an antibiotic ointment can help ward off bacteria while the area heals.
Moisturising
Once you've finished the previous steps, apply a light moisturiser across the hand and massage each nail’s surface and cuticle with a circular motion (avoid cutting or pushing back cuticles).
A cuticle-specific oil can add vitamins for those with dry or sensitive cuticle and nail beds.
Elderly Fingernail Care Tips from Experts
Fingernail care for the elderly can be an anxious moment for some. Be gentle to calm their nerves and reduce the chance of an accidental injury.
Regularly check for colour changes in nails, and if the surrounding skin is red or puffy. These can be signs of infection.
Ensure to use good quality tools that are sanitised before and after every use.
BelleVie collaborates with numerous nail technicians across Oxfordshire through our Thrive with BelleVie platform, including Kelly from Kelly’s Caring Hands. Kelly’s Caring Hands provides professional hand and nail care services directly to homes in Oxford and the surrounding areas. You can learn more about Kelly here - or to book an appointment, visit our Thrive with BelleVie platform.
Maintaining Nail Health
To help our bodies function best, at any age, good nutrition is essential fuel.
Key vitamins and minerals for nails are Biotin (found in egg yolk, avocado and dairy), folate (dark greens, citrus, lentils and nuts), Iron (animal foods, dark greens, beans and some nuts) and calcium. And of course, an adequate water intake.
To File it Away...
Build a regular routine for nail care, and enjoy the moments with your care recipient or loved one to chat and connect. Because as this lovely quote reminds us, it’s the little things mean the most in life:
‘Growing old gracefully is a thing of beauty when you have caregivers who love and support you’ - Unknown
At BelleVie, our Wellbeing Support Workers are trained to provide quality and gentle nail care. As well as many other care services to help you or your loved one to live a great life.
If you’d like to learn more, contact our friendly team for a chat.
