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Mom is living in a Memory Care Community.
She refuses to keep her shoes on inside the neighborhood, and now even outside.
I asked the Caregivers to not allow her outside if she chooses not wear her shoes/sandals and they told me that they try but she’ll continue to take them off.
When I watched her walk around barefoot outside she kept stopping because she would sit and pick off whatever stuck to her feet and wouldn’t walk on the cemented walkway, instead she’s walk in the grass, but the landscape are rolling hills covered in grass.
I don’t know what to do because I am worried that she will hurt her feet.

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Are the shoes the right fit? Any foot problems can make fittings difficult.
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Seek out a podiatrist for your mother.
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Don't worry about it, as others have said, pick your battles. You will end up crazy and burned out if you try to change every non-life threatening situation.
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Let he do what she wants. They are her feet. The staff is equiped with knowing what is safe for her.
Enjoy your time together. Talk in detail about a "good time"..just a few thoughts. See if "change in expression" and stay there with her with something (posative) and maybe you get a pasative response and then keep it going if she is "with it". If you think she is unresponsive just keep good stuff going with frequent hugs and what ever she got from you in the past. When she does not look like she recognises you....You know who she is. You will always be somewhare in her mind.
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I used to love walking barefoot in the grass...until I stepped on a bee!
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Your mother must like the feel of the grass and earth beneath her feet and her shoes might be hurting. Actually walking barefoot might benefit her feet and make her feet less sensitive and less inflammed. Have you heard of Skinners Range? It is a slip on , comfort of socks, but protection of shoes. It keeps feet clean dry and protected. Adapts to your foot and respects it natural needs for walking. I wear slippers in the house and love walking in the grass outdoors too. I love the freedom of connecting with nature, the grass upon my feet and love walking barefoot at the beach but I am younger and there is a risk of falling. Let her have some fun and enjoyment, but with safety in mind. Can understand your concerns. There are options out there to keep everyone happy.
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Non-skid socks and velcro-close slippers are great suggestions. I've seen a couple of posts here that are a little flippant, as if this caregiver shouldn't worry about this issue. Remember that practical advice is the easiest to ask for and give. This is a current issue for this caregiver- let's help.
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My sister's kids love to be without shoes at a younger age and now in their twentys they have the same habit in the house. Giving her a none slip socks could be a good thing but if the floor outside is super hot you may watch this.
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Was Mom brought up to remove her shoes in the house? Was she barefoot outside as a young girl?

Also wondering if feet could be sore? She may feel the shoes are the culprit?
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I would not worry too much about not wearing her shoes!That too will pass! My sister who is in a nursing home with Alzheimer’s-went from not wearing her shoes to not wearing her glasses to not wanting to putting her dentures ( top & bottom) In her mouth!
For wearing her shoes ,I got a pair of diabetic slippers wth Velcro closing!In the inside she wears non slip socks !
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Hi..
I'm gonna say, if that's the worse problem you have right now, consider everyone involved LUCKY. 😀😋
i kind of understand, have caregiver walk ahead, to be cautionary.

Or, you could KEEP HER in the HOUSE!
Good luck
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Try to pick your battles; trust me on this! You’ll burn out way too early if you get worked up over non life or death situations.
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My mother ran around in bare feet all the time. In winter it was a pair of socks. I prefer bear feet than shoes in the house and outside, I really think I am more stable when running up and down the stairs in my bare feet instead of shoes or sandles. Mom also took her shoes off. I really wouldn't worry about it.
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First, consider the shoes, whether they fit properly and just as importantly are comfortable, and safe (no slippery soles).

Second, she may need inserts, such as Dr. Scholl's gel pads. Does she have any corns, bunions or something that might be constricting in the shoes?

Third, what kind of shoes are they? Materials? The style and type of shoe can make a big difference.
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I gotta say...I will probably be your mom. I take my shoes off when I can. And if it were not for the Thistle weeds that keep popping up in my yard I would be on my grass barefoot more often.

If you feel that she should have something on her feet have you tried the no slip socks? That might be a compromise
But if caregivers are with her and the grounds are cared for, no debris I really would not worry about it...wait until there is something really dangerous then stick to your guns about it.
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Grass between your toes is a great feeling.
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I would let her be. Apparently she's comfortable without shoes or sandals. She might stub her toe or step on a stone, which can really hurt, but as long as there's nothing sharp lying around, I wouldn't worry about it. Walking on grass feels much nicer than concrete.
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