Mobile nails for older adults in care or their own homes

[Mandagirl]

This is my first post, so here goes! I would like some feedback and advice please on my vision for a mobile nail 'Therapist'. I am going to do the one day manicure pedicure course with Gateway workshops, which will provide me with a diploma and enable me to get accreditation and insurance. I plan to work with older adults either in nursing homes or in their own homes. I want to target this market as I have a special interest in care for older adults. I already have a diploma in health and social care and have CRB/DBS certificate etc.

Do you see any pitfalls? I am aware that I will not be able to work on clients with diabetes. Is this just for pedicures. Will I be able to offer nail cutting? Can I get specific training on nail cutting? The only ones I have seen are for a foot health specialist.

Obviously I need to practise the sanitisation and cross infection procedures precisely and perhaps use disposable files etc.

Also will I be able to sign up to the suppliers such as Ellisons, Salon services and Capital to purchase products and tools with my qualification?

Will I be able to use Opi polish (not gel)?

All help and advice would be very welcomed.

Thank you, Mandy

 

[c.mrsm]

I think it's a great idea, there's no reason why you can't practice on diabetics as long as they have no visible problems. Most elderly people suffer from type 2 diabetes. I work for the NHS so my advice would be to have a very in depth consultation form, you will need a full medical history and medication list. Know all your contra-indications as you may need to modify treatment or possibly not treat some clients, may need GP letters for some clients. Bare in mind you need consent and a signature, you may not be able to get this from the client if they have dementia , you may need a relatives consent but if your targeting nursing homes I would imagine the staff will sort that as they quite often have hairdressers in etc. Have meticulous paperwork and note anything you notice before you start. You could also look into paraffin wax treatment as this is very good for dry skin, circulation and arthritis.

My mani/pedi course was 6 weeks in house training, and a whole year to complete all the exams and assignments, not sure how they could teach you both mani and pedi in one day Hun. Have you looked into any other courses?

 

[emilywithers]

I think it's a really good idea, however as above said I can't see how you can be really competent (more in the A&P) after a one day course. It's one thing being able to carry out a mani/pedi treatment, but I think one of the most important things is knowing your A&P, your contraindications and how to approach each one.

I did three years of studying to become a level 3 qualified therapist, a year of that at Level 2 doing mani/pedis. I personally don't agree at all with one day courses for those with no prior qualifications that have involved A&P. I just can't believe someone who does a day course will learn the in depth knowledge that is taught (usually!) in a full level beauty qualification etc. It's so important to understand how the body works, how conditions affect the body and how to deal with them (especially if you're planning on working with the elderly).

Is there any way you could look in to a longer, more in depth course that will not only teach you the practical side but also the A&P if you haven't got a qualification that has taught you that beforehand? It is 100% better to completely cover your bases and get good quality training from the beginning. Day courses for those with no prior experience, in my experience and opinion, haven't been adequate at all.

It's a great idea though, definitely get the right qualifications and go ahead xx

 

[Cathi44]

I totally agree. There is no way you can learn (properly) full manicure and pedicure, A&P, and contraindications in one day. And why would you want to? There are no 'quick fixes' in this business and those who do go down that route are found out quickly (hopefully not at the cost of a client or their health) I'd say this is even more important given that you want to specialise in older clients, many of whom will already have health issues. I have seen a lot of older pedi clients with foot problems that go far wider than anything I could have been taught on a 1-day course, and some that weren't even covered in the 12months I spent studying for M&P. To encounter that with virtually no training behind me would be terrifying. If you're serious about your career, invest in yourself by getting the best possible training. If nothing else, you owe it to your prospective clients. Good luck with it.

 

[Mandagirl]

Thank you so much for your replies, which are very informative and helpful. I will look into other courses. It is difficult to fit in courses when I already work a full time job so any links to suitable training for evenings or weekends courses would be welcomed. I do have a level 3 diploma in Health & Social Care Adults and have had 5 years hands-on experience with patients as well as 20 years working in private health care but acknowledge I do need the right qualifications to cover the anatomy and physiology and contraindications especially for the vulnerable adults. Just to say I did receive a 30 Page manual on A&P!
Thanks Mandy

 

[c.mrsm]

I did mine on Saturdays as I work and have three children. But they also do evenings, I'm in Surrey though. I have a medicine based degree and still had to study for my course, but all the hands on experience and qualifications you have so far will make you a perfect person to work with this age group. Good luck Hun!

 

[Mandagirl]

I did mine on Saturdays as I work and have three children. But they also do evenings, I'm in Surrey though. I have a medicine based degree and still had to study for my course, but all the hands on experience and qualifications you have so far will make you a perfect person to work with this age group. Good luck Hun!

Thank you