A Proactive Approach to Healthy Ageing: Prevention, Confidence and Care

03 Sep A Proactive Approach to Healthy Ageing: Prevention, Confidence and Care

A Proactive Approach to Healthy Ageing: Prevention, Confidence and Care

When it comes to your loved one’s health, being proactive makes all the difference. By addressing small concerns early, we can prevent bigger problems down the track – reducing falls, avoiding hospital visits, and helping loved ones stay confident and independent.

At The Foot Studio, our approach is centred on three pillars: prevention, confidence and care. Together, they create the foundation for safe, happy, and fulfilling later years.

Prevention – picking things up early

So much of healthy ageing is about prevention. With regular podiatry care, potential risks can be identified before they escalate.

• A BMJ clinical trial showed that podiatry interventions – including footwear assessments, custom insoles, exercises and routine podiatry care – reduced falls by 36% in older adults with foot pain.
• Neurovascular assessments, using Doppler ultrasound, are absolutely essential before any nail care or trimming to ensure it is safe to proceed. These checks help detect changes in circulation early, preventing complications before they occur.
• Podiatry assessments can often reveal hidden concerns – because feet are often the first place health issues show up. It’s vital that podiatrists flag these changes to nursing staff, family, doctors and carers so that timely care can be provided. Everyone deserves early intervention and the best possible chance at staying healthy.

Being proactive means peace of mind – knowing your loved one’s health is being safeguarded before issues arise.

Confidence – keeping loved ones steady on their feet

Good foot health builds confidence. When residents feel steady, supported and pain-free, they can stay engaged in daily activities and move more freely.

• Confidence to walk without fear of falling.
• Confidence to continue with daily routines and activities they enjoy.
• Confidence for families, knowing their loved one is cared for with thorough, professional attention.

Confidence restores independence – and independence restores joy.

Care – treating the whole person

At The Foot Studio, podiatry isn’t just about trimming toenails. It’s about comprehensive, person-centred care. Each visit includes:

• A thorough conversation and history – getting to know the resident, reviewing their medical history and medications, and understanding their goals for their feet and wellbeing.
• Neurovascular and dermatology assessments, ensuring safe and appropriate treatment.
• Diagnosis and treatment planning that reflects individual needs.
• Communication with families and care teams, so everyone feels included and informed.

This approach supports not just physical health, but also emotional wellbeing – ensuring residents feel listened to, respected, and supported.

How Families Can Support Prevention

Families are an important part of this proactive approach. Here are some gentle ways you can help:

🍃 Check footwear – make sure shoes are supportive, well-fitting and not worn out.

🍃 Notice changes in walking or balance – share observations if your loved one seems unsteady or avoids walking.

🍃 Observe skin and nails – be mindful of redness, swelling, or thickened nails. These are worth raising with a podiatrist.

🍃 Talk about comfort – if your loved one mentions discomfort, cramping, or changes in sensation, encourage them to let staff know.

🍃 Be aware of circulation – cold feet, swelling, or colour changes may need review.

By noticing and sharing these changes, you help ensure your loved one receives the right support at the right time.

Our Vision for Families

Healthy ageing doesn’t happen by chance – it happens when we take a proactive approach. At The Foot Studio, our mission is to help people live happier, healthier lives from the ground up.

Through prevention, confidence and care, we aim to give residents independence, families peace of mind, and communities the reassurance that their loved ones are being supported with compassion and expertise.

When your loved one has confidence in their feet and movement, they can step into each day with freedom, dignity, and joy.

Laura 🌿

Further Reading & Resources

• BMJ Clinical Trial – Podiatry interventions reduce falls by 36%
• Journal of Foot & Ankle Research – The importance of Doppler ultrasound in podiatry assessments
• ABC News – How podiatry checks can reveal critical health concerns