Podiatry Services
Understanding Podiatry in a Senior Living Community
Podiatry plays an essential role in maintaining overall health, especially for seniors. At The Heights, residents have the convenience of professional podiatry services delivered directly to their doorstep, courtesy of Dr. Jeffrey Tencer, DPM. Visiting twice per month, Dr. Tencer offers specialized foot care that caters to individual needs. But what exactly is podiatry, and why is it so crucial for older adults?
What Is Podiatry?
Podiatry is a branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. These areas are integral to mobility and balance, which are especially vital for older adults. With age, foot-related issues can become more common—conditions like arthritis, diabetes complications, bunions, and fungal infections can greatly impact quality of life. Having access to on-site podiatry services ensures these problems are addressed effectively.
Why Is Podiatry Important for Seniors?
As people age, the likelihood of developing chronic conditions that can affect the feet increases. Without proper care, minor issues can quickly escalate into something more serious, potentially leading to limited mobility, pain, or even severe infections. Here’s why podiatry is particularly critical for seniors:
- Chronic Illness Management
Conditions like diabetes or arthritis often come with complications that affect foot health. For example, diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation, increasing the risk of foot ulcers or infections. Regular podiatry visits help monitor and treat such complications early. - Mobility and Independence
Painful foot conditions can limit movement, making seniors more dependent on others for daily activities. Podiatrists play a major role in enhancing mobility by providing treatments that alleviate pain and discomfort. - Fall Prevention
Falls are a common concern in assisted living communities, with foot and ankle issues sometimes contributing to a lack of balance. By addressing these conditions, podiatry care helps minimize fall risks.
What Services Are Typically Offered by Podiatrists?
Podiatrists offer a range of services tailored to the needs of each individual. At The Heights, Dr. Jeffrey Tencer provides comprehensive care, which may include:
- Nail and skin care, including the treatment of fungal infections, warts, and calluses.
- Monitoring and treating conditions like bunions, corns, and hammertoes.
- Diabetic foot exams to check for nerve damage, circulation issues, and any signs of wounds or infections.
- Custom orthotics for improved support and balance.
- Treatments for arthritis-related pain and mobility challenges.
Each service aims to ensure comfort and long-term foot health, enabling residents to maintain their quality of life.
How Often Does Dr. Tencer Visit?
For residents' convenience, Dr. Jeffrey Tencer visits The Heights twice a month. This regular schedule ensures that residents receive timely care without the need to leave the comfort of their community. Whether addressing immediate concerns or providing routine check-ups, having a consistent schedule allows for more personalized and proactive treatment plans.
Do Residents Need to Schedule Appointments?
Yes, appointments are required to ensure each resident receives the attention they deserve. The Heights staff is available to help residents schedule visits and share any specific concerns they may have with Dr. Tencer in advance.
What Should Residents Expect from Their Podiatry Appointment?
A typical podiatry appointment usually begins with an evaluation of the resident’s current foot health. Dr. Tencer will look for any signs of abnormalities, ask about pain or discomfort, and discuss any pre-existing conditions that may impact foot care. Based on this assessment, he will suggest appropriate treatments, recommend preventive steps, or provide education to maintain foot health between visits.
For example, residents with diabetes can expect regular screenings for any signs of ulcers, cuts, or infections. Those experiencing discomfort when walking may receive orthotics or specific recommendations to help improve their mobility and alleviate pain.
What Are the Benefits of On-Site Podiatry Care?
One of the standout benefits is convenience. On-site podiatry services eliminate the need for travel, which can be challenging for many seniors. Everything is taken care of within the community, which means residents can prioritize health without added stress. Furthermore, it fosters a sense of security, knowing expert care is always accessible.
Another major advantage is consistent care. With Dr. Tencer visiting twice a month, any issues that arise can be dealt with promptly. This reduces the chance of small problems turning into larger, more serious medical concerns.
How Can The Heights Support Podiatry Care?
At The Heights, staff members play a key role in helping residents access podiatry care. From scheduling appointments to assisting with mobility and providing relevant medical history to Dr. Tencer, the team ensures that residents are fully supported before, during, and after their appointments.
Additionally, staff can help monitor foot health in between visits by noticing signs of swelling, discolored nails, or other changes. Early detection is vital, and the collaboration between staff and Dr. Tencer forms a strong foundation for proactive care.
A Community Approach to Health
At The Heights, podiatry is just one part of a larger commitment to resident wellness. By offering on-site visits from experienced professionals like Dr. Jeffrey Tencer, we aim to provide holistic care tailored to each individual's unique needs.
Through consistent care, education, and early intervention, podiatry services help residents live more independently, comfortably, and confidently.
Do You Want to Know More?
If you have questions about podiatry at The Heights, we are here to support your health, one step at a time. Please contact Siobhan Mattingly at smattingly@churchhomes.org or 860-953-1201, ext. 403.