In Conversation: why mobile podiatry matters more than ever

I’ve had countless conversations with older Australians who say the same thing: “I just want to keep moving”. And it makes sense. Movement means independence. It means being able to hang out the washing, pop to the shop or join family for lunch, without needing to ask for help. What often gets overlooked is how much that independence relies on healthy, pain-free feet. And how hard it can be to care for them as we get older. As a result, podiatry at home is becoming a more common and necessary part of aged care.

Podiatry in home care

As people get older, caring for their feet often becomes more difficult. Nails thicken and harden, eyesight fades and changes in strength and coordination make even simple tasks harder. While these changes might seem small, they can lead to infections, ongoing pain and a drop in confidence when moving around.

In my visits, I’ve seen people with deep cuts from trying to cut their own toenails, or infections that have gone unnoticed for months. I’ve had family members say they’re too nervous to help in case they do damage. Podiatrists use sterile tools and know how to work with tricky nails and sensitive skin. We also look out for early signs of other conditions that tend to show up in the lower limbs, like diabetes, high blood pressure, circulation problems and nerve damage.

Being in the home also lets us assess the space. We can spot trip hazards, check all types of footwear (not just what they wore to an appointment) and look at how a person moves around their own environment. We also manage pain in the feet, ankles, knees and legs. A sore foot can quickly become a reason to stay inside. But if we can help reduce that pain, we can support people to stay active and connected to their community. That’s what podiatry in home care is really about.

Podiatry in the broader home-care system

Podiatrists are part of the allied health team, just like physios and dietitians. We complete a four-year university degree and are registered with Ahpra. But we’re few and far between, especially in regional areas. That shortage means home care providers often find it hard to find podiatrists who can take on new clients. It’s something I see often — providers ready to refer, but no one available to take the job.

The need for podiatry is growing as the population ages. But there’s also a shift in how our work is seen. Where we were once considered ‘nail trimmers’, people now recognise the broader care we provide. GPs and other health professionals are also working more closely with podiatrists to manage fall risks, diabetic care and mobility issues.

The profession itself is evolving, too. Some podiatrists now complete extra training to prescribe certain medications. There’s more collaboration, more crossover with physios and exercise physiologists, and more awareness of what foot health really means in later life.

Challenges and opportunities

There’s a real risk that demand will soon outpace the number of working podiatrists. Without more graduates entering the field, many people may miss out on the care they need to stay mobile and safe. But with more awareness and support from the government and care providers, there’s a real chance for growth.

Aside from workforce shortages, admin is a major pressure point. The compliance load tied to aged care work is heavy, meaning less time for face-to-face care. It also drives up the cost of each visit. On the other hand, more people now understand what podiatry offers, and there’s a growing appetite to make it part of regular home care planning.

Some simple steps forward

For podiatrists, setting up regular agreements with home care providers can help with scheduling and reduce gaps between visits. For providers, simplifying the onboarding process and reducing paperwork where possible can make it easier for podiatrists to focus on their clients, not their screens.

Good foot care helps people stay steady, comfortable and confident. And that can make a world of difference to someone’s life at home.

Richard Shieh is a qualified and experienced podiatrist at Advance Foot Clinic, holding a Bachelor of Podiatry and a Bachelor of Health Studies from Queensland University of Technology. With a passion for health care and lifelong learning, he also has a diverse healthcare background, with a Diploma in Dental Technology and a Bachelor of Dental Surgery.

Top image credit: iStock.com/Zinkevych