Local NPC wants to improve footcare
The NPC will provide health practitioners specialised training skills to work with the elderly.
Footcare Family, a Pretoria-based NPC, is determined to make footcare a more affordable and accessible service, by training and equipping young health-care workers all over the province.
Founder Arinda Botha said a single consultation with a podiatrist can cost between R700 and R1 200, making it unaffordable for most citizens, especially those without proper medical aid.
Botha particularly sees a need within the elderly community of South Africa.
“In old age homes we see almost no attention given to footcare,” said Botha.
“When people reach a certain age, infections in their feet can have very serious health consequences and can lead to serious infections that require amputations.”
Elderly people often need monthly treatment to keep their feet healthy and most do not have access to facilities that grant them this basic but essential need.
Footcare Family wants to bring a change by specifically visiting old age homes.
“Many care workers at these places do not have the necessary training to safely assist these residents but are nevertheless expected to.
“The mistakes, unsafe services and techniques are to be expected as they do not undergo the relevant courses for such services,” said Botha.
With the specialised training at Footcare, Botha believes that the students will be better able to help the elderly and prevent medical complications from occurring.
Botha and her team received specialised training from doctors in America, where the field of podiatry is far more advanced.
She said she is amazed with what she has learned so far and hopes she and her team can make a big difference locally.
They offer specialised short-courses, the scope of which ranges from basic and safe foot and hand care to intricate and problematic conditions.
Botha said they want to bridge the gap between podiatry and beauty therapy.
Serious conditions are referred to the Podiatrist or relevant medical Doctors
“The exact position of Footcare Training falls between Podiatry and Beauty.
“So our students do no surgery, but are the bridge between the client and the medical professional,” she said.
“They assess and treat feet safely and painlessly yet effectively by applying the taught skills to treat, for example, ingrown toenails.
“They are taught methods that are tried and tested, proven solutions,” said Botha.
Currently, the NPC has enough money saved to provide a full scholarship for five people, but need more donations to have a greater reach in the Gauteng area.
Five bursaries are still available for interested candidates.
Those interested can WhatsApp Arinda Botha @ 084 458 4520
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