Abstract
In older people, independence can be hindered or limited by painful feet and unsuitable footwear and these can have an indirect but substantial effect on health and lifestyle. Mobility, essential to the quality of life and often the key to independent living, can be hindered by foot problems that are not felt to be important enough for the older person, family or formal carers to seek advice or treatment. Many people accept foot problems as an inescapable accompaniment of ageing and often do not realize that change has occurred, due to its insidious or longstanding nature (Neale, Boyd and Whiting, 1989). Other patients may be embarrassed by the shape of their feet, and some patients may forget to complain, as other pathologies possibly predominate in their mind. General practitioners may neglect assessment of the foot, as such pathologies are not immediately life threatening. The feet are usually covered with slippers or some form of footwear, thereby not alerting other members of the team to their state. The importance of assessing foot health and footwear needs, and having an efficient method of supplying footwear where needed, is essential if the impact of a proactive and timely rehabilitation programme is to be achieved (Finlay, 1995).
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Finlay, O., Fullerton, C. (1996). Feet and footwear of older people. In: Squires, A.J., Campling, J. (eds) Rehabilitation of Older People. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-2987-7_11
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-2987-7_11
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