All residents are assessed by Copernicus Lodge nursing staff upon admission and on an ongoing basis to determine their foot care needs. Advanced foot care is more comprehensive and may involve completing a full assessment, creating a treatment plan (including client goals and health education), and treating ingrown nails, thickened (fungal) nails, callous & corns and other complications from diabetics, heart problems, circulatory problems, infections, and arthritis as assessed by the Registered Nursing staff or by referral from the attending physician.
Advanced Foot Care includes but is not limited to the care of residents who have the following conditions:
Any resident who has a diagnosis of diabetes, Peripheral Vascular Disease or has an open wound on their feet or toes are considered high risk residents and must have foot care completed by an Advanced Foot Care nurse, Chiropodist or Podiatrist.
Copernicus Lodge makes available a pay for use/fee for service for advanced foot care by a visiting Advanced Foot Care Nurse for residents who have been assessed as requiring advanced foot care services. Copernicus Lodge is not responsible for any fees associated with such service – all fees are the responsibility of the resident/POA/SDM.
An Advanced Foot Care Nurse is a regulated medical professional with extensive training in skin and nail conditions of the foot, as well as diabetic foot and wound care. An Advanced Foot Care nurse completes specialized courses in basic and advanced foot care.
Resident’s /families/ SDM’s always have choices and are under no obligation to use the in-house service available and may choose to make other arrangements to address the resident’s advanced foot care needs.
