All skills
Personal Care

Provides Foot Care

Wash the resident's foot in a basin of warm water. Dry thoroughly between the toes (moisture between toes breeds fungal infection). Apply lotion to the top and bottom of the foot — NOT between the toes. Report any redness, sores, or discoloration.

10-15 minutes•10 steps•3 critical
Check water temp. Wash. Dry between the toes. Lotion everywhere EXCEPT between the toes.

Why this matters

Check water temp. Wash. Dry between the toes. Lotion everywhere EXCEPT between the toes.

Quick tips

  • Test water temperature with your INNER WRIST (more sensitive than your hand)
  • Dry THOROUGHLY between the toes — moisture between toes causes fungal infection
  • Lotion on the foot EXCEPT between the toes — moisture there breeds problems

Common mistakes

  • Not testing water temperature (scalding risk for diabetic residents)
  • Leaving moisture between the toes after washing
  • Applying lotion between the toes
  • Cutting toenails (CNAs do NOT cut nails — RN or podiatrist only)