Memory Care & Foot Health — Podiatry for Residents with Dementia

Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS

Board-certified foot & ankle surgeon · 3,000+ surgeries · @MichiganFootDoctors (950K+ subscribers)

Last reviewed May 11, 2026 · (810) 206-1402

Quick answer: Memory Care Foot Health Podiatry Dementia affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in our practice. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.

✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

Memory Care & Foot Health — Podiatry for Residents with Dementia

When Residents Can’t Tell You Their Feet Hurt

Dementia patients communicate pain differently — or not at all. A severe ingrown toenail infection, a heel ulcer developing under a callus, or a stress fracture may cause nothing more than increased agitation, withdrawal, or refusal to walk. Regular podiatric assessment catches these problems before they escalate and identifies foot-related sources of distress that facility staff might otherwise struggle to explain.

What We Watch For in Memory Care Patients

Behavioral changes that may indicate foot pain: increased agitation or crying during dressing and hygiene, refusal to walk or stand, guarding or protecting one foot or leg, withdrawal from activities, changes in sleep patterns. We also assess for: wounds developing under calluses and pressure points, skin breakdown from ill-fitting footwear (dementia patients may wear the same shoes for months without complaint), nail problems including ingrown nails and severe fungal involvement, color and temperature changes indicating circulation problems, and edema changes.

Our Memory Care Approach

Gentle, unhurried care adapted for patients who may be anxious, resistant, or uncooperative. Techniques that minimize startling and unexpected sensations. Clear pre-visit communication with nursing staff about each resident’s typical behaviors and best approach. Post-visit documentation including behavioral responses and findings. Coordination with memory care medical directors for any findings requiring follow-up.

The Fall Connection

Foot problems are among the leading contributors to falls in memory care units — and falls in dementia patients carry particularly high mortality and morbidity. Our foot care program directly supports fall prevention in memory care.

Call Balance Foot & Ankle to discuss memory care foot health services: (810) 206-1402

Professional Podiatric Care in Michigan: Balance Foot & Ankle’s Comprehensive Services

At Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan patients receive comprehensive podiatric care across the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions. Our fellowship-trained podiatrists provide conservative and surgical treatment for all foot and ankle pathology — from plantar fasciitis, bunions, and nail disorders to complex reconstructive surgery, diabetic foot care, and sports injuries. Our clinical approach prioritizes accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment selection, and honest communication with patients about realistic outcomes.

We serve patients in Livingston and Oakland counties from two convenient Michigan locations: our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River (serving Brighton, Hartland, Pinckney, Howell, and all of Livingston County) and our Bloomfield Township office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208 (serving Troy, Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, and all of Oakland County). Both offices offer in-office X-ray, same-week new patient appointments, and a full range of diagnostic and treatment services. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and most Michigan insurance plans. Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule your appointment.

Michigan patients from throughout the region — Livingston County communities including Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Pinckney, and Fowlerville, and Oakland County communities including Bloomfield Township, Troy, Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, Pontiac, and Rochester — can access expert podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our clinical team is committed to providing the highest standard of foot and ankle care available in Southeast Michigan, from routine preventive care to complex surgical intervention. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule — we look forward to serving you at our Howell or Bloomfield Township location.

Related Treatment Guides

• Ingrown Toenail Treatment
• Stress Fracture Treatment
• Corn & Callus Treatment

Scheduling with Balance Foot & Ankle is straightforward — call (810) 206-1402 during business hours and our front desk team will find an appointment time that works for your schedule, verify your insurance coverage before the visit, and answer any preliminary questions you have about what to expect. Our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River has convenient parking and is easily accessible from I-96, M-59, and Grand River Avenue. Our Bloomfield Township office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208 is located on Woodward Avenue with parking adjacent to the building. Both locations are accessible by patients throughout Southeast Michigan, and our team looks forward to providing you with the professional, evidence-based podiatric care that you and your feet deserve.

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-Certified · FACFAS

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Board-Certified Podiatrist

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Podiatrist

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle conditions, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.

Ready for Expert Care?

Same-day appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.

4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries

Or call: (810) 206-1402