2.6 Describe how and when to access additional guidance about assessed foot care needs

This guide will help you answer 2.6 Describe how and when to access additional guidance about assessed foot care needs.

Foot care is an important part of health for many people. Looking after a person’s feet helps prevent pain, infection, and other serious problems. Some people have health conditions, such as diabetes or circulation problems, which make foot care even more necessary. In health and social care, a worker will often be asked to help with daily care tasks. This can include cleaning, drying, and checking the skin on a person’s feet.

Assessing foot care needs means looking at the feet and identifying what type of care is required. This may be recorded in the person’s care plan. Sometimes, a person’s needs can change, or problems may develop that are outside the worker’s experience or role. It is important to know when and how to seek help from others.

Types of Additional Guidance

Additional guidance is advice or support from others who have more knowledge or skill in a particular area. In foot care, this may include written guidelines, verbal advice from professionals, or training. Guidance can come from:

• Employers or experienced colleagues
• External foot care specialists
• Policies and procedures
• Online resources approved by the employer
• Professional bodies such as the College of Podiatry
• National Health Service (NHS) information

Knowing where to look for advice gives you confidence to deliver safe care. Asking for help is not a weakness. It is a professional action that keeps people safe.

Situations That Require Additional Guidance

You do not need to manage all foot care problems alone. You should seek further guidance if:

• You are not sure about the right action to take
• There is a sign of infection (such as redness, pus, swelling, or heat)
• The skin is broken, blistered, or bleeding
• The person complains of sudden or severe pain in their feet
• The person has very thick or discoloured toenails you do not know how to manage
• The individual has a long-term condition such as diabetes and there are changes in foot temperature, colour, sensitivity, or appearance
• You notice signs of poor circulation, such as coolness, blue or black discolouration, or numbness
• The person or their family have concerns about their foot care that you cannot answer

Never attempt any care outside of your training and role. Escalate promptly where safety is at risk.

Accessing Organisational Policies

Every health and social care employer must have policies covering key areas such as personal care. These should outline your duties and when to seek further help. Read policies when you are unsure what is expected. Most workplaces keep up-to-date policies in staff rooms, shared drives, or on internal systems. You can also ask your line manager where to find these.

Policies may include:

• Infection prevention
• Personal care procedures
• Wound care
• Suitability for care tasks such as nail trimming

If you are ever unsure after reading a policy, speak to your supervisor or a senior colleague.

Speaking to Line Managers and Supervisors

Your line manager or supervisor is an immediate source of advice. This person will be more experienced and responsible for supporting the team. If you have concerns about a person’s feet, contact your supervisor as soon as possible. Record what you have seen, what you have done, and why you are asking for advice.

Examples of when to seek urgent guidance include:

• Unexplained or new wounds
• Rapidly worsening pain or swelling
• Signs of infection, especially in a person with diabetes
• A change in a person’s mobility due to foot problems

Your records help the manager make an informed decision. Always follow up on the guidance given and document the outcome.

Consulting Trained Colleagues

Experienced colleagues may have additional training in foot care. They can share their knowledge or demonstrate correct techniques. If your workplace has a designated foot care lead, speak to them about your concerns. Learning from colleagues builds your own confidence and skills.

Remember to:

• Respect confidentiality when discussing personal information
• Only share information with those who are authorised to know
• Record your actions if you follow advice from a colleague

Contacting Specialist Health Professionals

Some foot care needs go beyond what can be managed in daily care. In these cases, you may need outside help, such as:

• Podiatrists (also called chiropodists): health professionals trained to diagnose and treat problems affecting the feet and lower limbs
• District nurses: can provide wound care and support for people cared for at home
• General Practitioners (GPs): can assess and make referrals

If you think specialist advice is needed, follow the procedures for referral in your setting. Warn the manager or appropriate professional about anything urgent.

Examples of specialist foot problems:

• Infected ulcers
• Unexplained wounds
• Ingrown toenails causing pain and pus
• Numbness or weakness in the feet
• Loss of circulation

If a person with diabetes has broken skin on their toes or feet, this is always an urgent matter.

Advising the Person and Their Relatives

People have the right to be involved in decisions about their care. If additional guidance is needed, explain to the person (and their relatives or advocates if needed) what concerns you have seen. Use clear, simple language. For example, “I’ve noticed your foot is more swollen and sore today, so I’m going to ask my supervisor to have a look. Is that alright?”

Never promise to do tasks outside of your role. Explain that you will get the right person to help.

Professional Bodies and Trusted Resources

The College of Podiatry and the NHS both provide clear advice about looking after feet, especially for people with complex conditions. If you need to check best practice or want learning material, use official sources. Some resources include:

• NHS website (www.nhs.uk)
• The Royal College of Podiatry (www.rcpod.org.uk)
• Diabetes UK (www.diabetes.org.uk)

Avoid informal online sources or social media for advice.

Training and Continuing Professional Development

Good care workers keep their knowledge up to date. This includes asking for training when new needs arise or when you feel unsure. Examples of useful training may include:

• Foot hygiene and nail trimming
• Managing foot problems in diabetes
• Recognising signs of infection
• Manual handling during personal care

If you are asked to carry out new tasks, request proper training first. Attending courses or shadowing experienced staff can improve your skills.

Documenting Your Actions

Whenever you ask for more guidance, keep clear records. This protects you and the person you support. Write down:

• What you observed
• Who you reported it to
• What advice or guidance you received
• What action was taken

For example: “On 22/06/2024, noticed Mr Smith’s right foot swollen and red. Reported to Senior Carer. Advised to leave foot uncovered and contact nurse. Nurse attended and dressed wound.”

Accurate records support safe care and legal protection.

Recognising and Acting on Limitations

Care workers must not step beyond their agreed role. For example, cutting toenails or managing wounds may need special training or be outside your job description. If you feel pressured to carry out tasks you are not trained for, explain your concern to your manager. Ask to see the procedure or risk assessment for the task. It is always right to speak up if you are unsure.

Examples of tasks likely to need extra guidance or specialist input:

• Cutting toenails in people with poor circulation or diabetes
• Treating fungal infections
• Managing open wounds or ulcers
• Using dressings or medicated creams

When to Access Guidance Immediately

Some situations need fast action. Always seek extra help straight away if:

• There is uncontrolled bleeding
• The person cannot feel or move their toes suddenly
• Skin looks blue, black, or feels ice cold
• The person has a fever and a foot wound
• There is swelling and heat spreading up the leg
• The person with diabetes develops any broken skin on their feet

Follow workplace emergency procedures. Call for medical help or emergency services if needed. Record all actions taken.

Professional Duty of Care

You have a legal and ethical duty to protect people using your service from harm. If you ignore signs of foot problems, this could breach your duty of care. Seeking additional guidance is part of acting responsibly. Your employer has a responsibility to provide access to training, supervision, and specialist input.

If you feel your concerns are not being listened to, or you are being told to carry out unsafe care, use the workplace whistleblowing procedure.

Preventing Foot Problems

Spotting issues early is a key part of care. Regular checks, gentle cleaning, and using correct footwear can prevent bigger problems. If you see changes, act quickly. Early advice prevents complications.

Common early signs to look for:

• Redness and swelling
• Changes to skin colour or temperature
• Cracks, dryness, or thickened skin
• Pain, numbness, or tingling

Report and record any change, even if it seems minor.

Using Communication Skills

When explaining to someone why more help is needed, be respectful and clear. Avoid medical jargon. Listen to their worries and answer questions honestly. Get consent before sharing information with others, unless the law says you must act immediately to keep someone safe.

Final Thoughts

Accessing additional guidance about assessed foot care needs is a key part of a care worker’s role. It helps prevent harm, supports person-centred care, and protects you as a worker.

Never feel afraid to ask for help. Your action can make a big difference to the health and comfort of people you support. Regularly update your practice and communicate openly with colleagues, professionals, and the people you care for. By following these steps, you help maintain high standards and support positive outcomes in foot care.