Can I trim my client's nails or toenails?
2 min readModule 8, Lesson 2 — Body Care (grooming, foot care)
Routine fingernail care is generally within HCA scope, but do NOT trim toenails for clients with diabetes or circulation problems — that requires a licensed professional.
- 1Check the care plan first — it states what personal care tasks are authorized for this client.
- 2Fingernails: cleaning and gentle filing/trimming as part of grooming is typically allowed if the care plan includes it.
- 3Toenails: for clients with diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation, even a small cut can become a serious wound. Refer to a podiatrist or nurse.
- 4If skin is broken, discolored, or infected anywhere — do not trim; report what you observe.
When in doubt, treat nail care for high-risk clients as outside your scope and escalate. Document what you observed and who you notified.
What to remember
- —Check the care plan first — it states what personal care tasks are authorized for this client..
- —Fingernails: cleaning and gentle filing/trimming as part of grooming is typically allowed if the care plan includes it..
- —Toenails: for clients with diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation, even a small cut can become a serious wound.