How long should the CNA soak a resident's feet during foot care?

The recommended duration for soaking a resident's feet during foot care is typically 5-20 minutes. This time frame is ideal as it allows the skin to soften adequately, which facilitates the cleaning and any necessary grooming of the feet, such as trimming toenails or removing dead skin. Soaking for this duration ensures that the resident’s feet benefit from increased moisture, which is particularly important for preventing conditions such as dry skin or fungal infections.

Soaking for a duration shorter than 5 minutes might not effectively soften the skin, while soaking for longer than 20 minutes could lead to skin maceration or irritation, especially in individuals with sensitive skin or specific medical conditions like diabetes. Therefore, the 5-20 minute range provides a balance that supports proper foot hygiene while minimizing the risk of adverse effects.