Chiropody For Pensioners | Round-Up Of Free Local Services In The UK
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We don't provide free chiropody services at Lottie, so we are unable to help with any queries regarding chiropody; but we've rounded up local free services for you below.
A chiropodist or podiatrist specialises in looking after your feet and providing whatever treatment is needed. As we get older and become less mobile, we become more prone to foot problems, which is why chiropody services are particularly well-used amongst older adults.
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In this article:
- Can pensioners get free chiropody?
- Find chiropodist and podiatry services through the NHS
- Royal College of Podiatry
- Age UK footcare services
- Where else can I find chiropody for older adults?
Can Pensioners Get Free Chiropody?
Depending on where in the UK you live, older adults and pensioners (those above the State Pension age) may be able to receive routine chiropody or podiatry paid for by the NHS, but this isn’t always the case.
You’re more likely to be eligible for NHS footcare if you have a long-term condition such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, rheumatoid arthritis or a bunion that’s limiting your mobility.
We don't provide chiropody at Lottie, but we've shared a few free services below.
Find Chiropodist and Podiatry Services Through the NHS
Your doctor or a similar healthcare professional will refer you to an NHS chiropodist service if they feel your needs require an additional level of care and support.
Often, the biggest determining factor for whether or not you receive free treatment through the NHS is how mobile you are. If you have a foot condition that limits your movement, you could qualify for free chiropodist and podiatry services through the NHS.
Diabetics are usually given priority podiatric treatment as well, due to the potential complications of having diabetic foot (a condition caused by a lack of circulation and sensitivity in the lower limbs).
If you don’t qualify for free footcare through the NHS, older adults can still access a number of different UK practices. You can use the NHS directory or the Royal College of Podiatry to find registered podiatrists and similar services in your area.
All NHS podiatrists and chiropodists will be appropriately qualified and registered.
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Royal College of Podiatry
If you don’t qualify for foot care through the NHS, you may instead be able to find a registered podiatrist or chiropodist through the Royal College of Podiatry.
Click here to find a podiatrist through the Royal College of Podiatry.
Through the above link, you can search by your location to get a list of nearby podiatrists. Every listing includes its address, contact information and practitioner type. Visiting practitioners offer home care visits if you’re housebound.
Age UK Footcare Services
Age UK offers a range of foot care services for older adults, including nail cutting.
Click the link above to check whether you’re able to access these services. Enter your postcode to see what support is available in your local area.
If you require more specialised support than what Age UK offer, you may need to contact the NHS or a similar service instead.
You can contact your local Age UK to book an appointment and find out what’s on offer.
Where Else Can I Find Chiropody For Older Adults?
There are numerous other chiropody services for older adults available throughout the UK.
To ease your search, Housing Care has compiled a list of foot and nail services for older adults within every English county.
We’re on a mission to support individuals and their loved ones throughout each stage of their later living journey. For more information, check out everything Lottie has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to see a chiropodist in the UK?
When seeing a private chiropodist in the UK, prices vary, depending on the individual providers and where in the country you’re looking.
As a guide, A&A Podiatrists charge £50 for general podiatry treatment, with one of these sessions lasting around 30 minutes. They also charge £30 for nail cutting. These services are available after an initial new patient consultation and treatment which costs £60.
Can you be referred to an NHS podiatrist?
Podiatrists operate through both the NHS and private clinics. If you’ve been to see your GP or a different healthcare professional, they may have referred you to an NHS podiatrist. However, you’re often able to refer yourself to an NHS podiatry service as well.
Do NHS podiatrists cut toenails?
Though the NHS provides support and advice to people who require podiatry - including older adults - they may not offer toenail cutting. Toenail cutting is classed as personal care, so often isn’t provided by the NHS.
Nail cutting may be available to people through the NHS who are unable to properly look after their own feet without support or guidance, or if you have medical podiatric needs that require treatment.
