Shoes for Hospice Patients
Hospice patients at home spend significant time resting in bed. But they also need to move around the house, step outside for fresh air, or attend appointments. The right shoes make these moments safer and more comfortable.
Poor footwear choices create real problems. Shoes that don't fit properly can cause trips and falls. Stiff materials rub against sensitive skin. Complicated closures frustrate patients who just want to get dressed without help.
Good shoes do the opposite. They support weakened legs. They slip on easily. They protect feet without causing pain. This matters because comfort and safety give patients more energy to focus on what truly counts: time with loved ones.
What to Consider Before Buying
Your patient's needs guide every footwear decision. These factors help you choose wisely.
Measure feet regularly. Swelling changes shoe size, sometimes dramatically. What fit last month might pinch today. Note which parts of the foot swell most. This tells you whether to prioritize width in the toe box or adjustability around the ankle.
Think about how much your patient moves. Someone who walks to the mailbox needs different support than someone who only stands briefly to transfer from bed to chair. Match the shoe to their actual activity level, not what you wish they could do.
Check for skin sensitivity. Hospice patients often develop tender spots or pressure sores. Breathable materials prevent moisture buildup. Seamless interiors eliminate rubbing. These small details prevent big problems.
Consider who puts the shoes on. Can your patient manage independently or do they need help? Slip on styles with stretchy gores work well for patients with limited dexterity. Velcro closures help caregivers get shoes on quickly without causing discomfort.
Some patients need therapeutic features. Diabetes, neuropathy, or foot deformities require specialized support. Talk to your patient's care team about whether orthotics or prescription shoes would help.
Types of Shoes That Work Well
Different situations call for different footwear. Here are the main categories worth considering.
Slippers
Slippers made from soft materials like faux suede combine warmth with safety. Look for closed backs so they stay on securely. Sturdy soles prevent slipping on smooth floors. Adjustable closures or elastic gores let you loosen or tighten as needed throughout the day.
Slippers work best for patients who stay mostly indoors and need something comfortable for short distances around the house.
House Shoes
House shoes offer more structure than slippers. They provide better arch support and stability for patients who spend time on their feet indoors. Cushioned insoles reduce pressure on sensitive areas. Non skid soles grip tile and hardwood floors.
Remember that house shoes perform poorly outdoors. The soles lack the traction and durability needed for sidewalks or gravel driveways.
Diabetic Shoes
Diabetes and circulation problems demand special attention. Diabetic shoes feature extra depth to accommodate swelling. Seamless interiors protect skin that heals slowly. Adjustable closures let you modify the fit as conditions change.
These shoes prevent the minor irritations that become major complications for diabetic patients.
Orthopedic Shoes
Orthopedic shoes address foot deformities and serious mobility challenges. Their sturdy construction supports weakened joints. Wide toe boxes give toes room to spread naturally. Supportive insoles distribute weight evenly across the foot.
These shoes cost more but deliver measurable benefits for patients with significant foot problems.
Adaptive Shoes
Adaptive shoes solve the dexterity problem. Hook and loop closures replace traditional laces. Elastic laces stretch to let feet slip in and out. Extended tongue openings make it easier to get shoes on without bending deeply.
Patients with arthritis or limited hand strength particularly benefit from adaptive features.
Getting the Fit Right
Even the best shoe fails if it doesn't fit properly. Pay attention to these details.
Measure both feet. Many people have one foot slightly larger than the other. Buy for the bigger foot. Shoes should allow toe wiggle room without excessive slippage at the heel.
Check heel support carefully. The shoe should hug the heel snugly enough to prevent rubbing but not so tight it causes pain. A loose heel creates friction blisters and increases fall risk because patients feel like their shoes might slip off.
Choose adjustable options when possible. Laces, velcro, or elastic closures accommodate swelling that comes and goes. This flexibility matters during hospice care when body changes happen unpredictably.
Don't Forget Good Socks
The right shoes paired with wrong socks still cause problems. Moisture builds up. Feet slide around. Comfort disappears.
Compression socks help patients at risk for edema or poor circulation. They improve blood flow and reduce swelling. Wool wicks moisture away from skin. Cotton breathes well and washes easily.
Match your sock choice to your patient's specific needs just like you match their shoes.
Small Choices, Big Impact
Footwear seems like a minor detail in the scope of hospice care. But these small choices affect your patient's daily comfort in real ways. Safe, comfortable shoes let patients move with confidence. They reduce pain. They prevent falls. They preserve independence.
Anything that helps your patient feel secure and stress free deserves your attention. The right shoes deliver exactly that.
For a list of other supplies you may want for hospice, check out this blog post. We also carry many hospice supplies in our shop, Coastal Medical Supplies.