Foot Care Clinic Helps Those Experiencing Homelessness

Dedicated nurses help prevent foot infections and medical complications that may result in lengthy hospital stays.

It is a wet wintery day as people from the Corpus Christi House, a day shelter in Boise, Idaho, come 4 at a time to the foot care clinic provided by the Saint Alphonsus Faith Community Nurses. The sign-up list for the clinic is quickly filling with some asking to be cared for even when appointment spots are not available. By the end of the clinic, 23 guests were served.

The first foot care clinic was held in 2014 and was originally planned to be a one-time event. However, the volunteers quickly realized there was a great need for foot care for those individuals experiencing homelessness. A partnership with Corpus Christi House naturally developed and the Faith Community Nurse Foot Care Clinic was born.

The Foot Care Clinic Mission is to “Do no Harm, prevent complications and to maintain mobility”.

John 13:14

“IF THEN YOUR LORD AND TEACHER, HAVE WASHED YOUR FEET, YOU TOO OUGHT TO WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET.”

This service is not simply symbiotic, it helps prevent foot infections, medical complications that may result in lengthy hospital stays, and can even prevent possible amputation of a limb. The nurses use clinical expertise to assess for foot concerns, they then refer to the Terry Riley Clinic or a Saint Alphonsus Medical Clinic for follow-up care as needed.

Individuals experiencing homelessness are at an increased risk for foot problems. Excessive walking in all types of weather in improper footwear results in corns, calluses, blisters, fungal infections, soggy feet, hammer toes, bunions, bone spurs and ulcerations. Some individuals have limited eyesight, cannot reach their toes, and/or do not have nail clippers for their personal foot care needs. Those with neuropathy, diabetes, and vascular impairment are at an even greatest risk. These can lead to bacterial infections which are four times more frequent in our homeless population (American Podiatry Medical Association).

The foot care clinic hosted by the Saint Alphonsus Faith Community Nurses offers a warm, safe, relaxed, cheerful place of peace, calm and of tender, trusting care. The amazing group of dedicated volunteers demonstrate remarkable teamwork. Guests are warmly greeted, seated at a foot care station. Their feet are soaked in a warm basin of naturally scented water and are then cleansed. Next, nails are trimmed, then a nurse evaluates the feet for any concerns. Lastly the nurse provides individualized education and referrals as necessary. The foot care experience is also special time for conversation, encouragement, and support. The foot massage with the occasional hand massage are often the most enjoyed and appreciated part of the care experience. Upon completion of the foot care service a pair of clean socks, a plastic bag to cover socks if shoes are not waterproof, hand warmers (given out in in the winter), and a Sister Mary Alice Quintana prayer card are given to each participant.

Now that some of the Covid gathering restrictions has been lifted, bimonthly foot care clinics are once again being planned year-round.

The average person takes about 8,000 – 10,000 steps daily, adding up to about 115,000 miles in a lifetime. Our feet can last a lifetime, but we must care for them.

Psalm 119: 105

“THY WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET, AND A LIGHT UNTO MY PATH.” Let us each be a healing presence in the world.

If you are interested in learning more about the foot care clinic hosted by the Saint Alphonsus Faith Community Nurses please contact Cari Moodie, RN, Coordinator for Faith Community Nursing for Saint Alphonsus Health System.