Anyone using an electric nail file to trim their LO nails? My mom's nails are very soft, prone to tear along the side and curved upward. Her hands need to be washed on a daily basis and I like to keep her fingernails trimmed as short as possible. They grow rather quickly and need to be trimmed & filed on a weekly basis. Problem is that she will stiffen and arch her hand backwards and involuntarily jerk her hand back at the sound of the clippers . (Keep in mind, I have never cut her fingers nor cut the nail too short.)
So, I have considered getting some type of cordless, electric nail file but I am open to recommendations.
How did she wear her nails when she was younger? Did she like to get professional manicures?
Try to follow her wishes to the best of your ability and recollection.
Can you hire a professional? The $15 it costs may save you more in stress and anxiety. Seek out a kind and empathetic nail technician who has experience with elderly clients. If you can take your mom there, the outing will do her good. Some even make house and/or hospital calls.
If she is the “spa” type but this is not in your budget, create the same atmosphere at home. (Don’t forget to sterilize all the tools —by boiling— before use for her safety). Put on soft music, give her a soak in Palmolive (to soften her nails before cutting or filing), and make sure to follow with a gentle lotion hand massage, or even her favorite shade of nail polish. The women who like manicures feel that the process is pampering and relaxing. Make it that way for her.
The foam block style emery boards used commonly in salons are now available at drug stores— they are gentler and less likely to snag fragile skin.
Make this a relaxing and living time for the two of you.
It is so stressful caring for a loved one. We all understand everything you are experiencing.
I never thought that cutting someone’s fingers could be so difficult.