Veteran nurse Trish Macdonald has spent the better part of the last decade providing what she calls an invaluable service. Madonald, or the Foot Fairy, as she is known to those she cares for, provides foot care for people who find it difficult or are unable to do it themselves.

“People don’t realize how important this is,” Macdonald said, “but it’s such a crucial part of senior health care.”

Macdonald, a registered nurse with over 30 years of experience in geriatrics, discovered just how needed her skills were when she provided the service at Vashon Community Care, while  working there as a nurse and as a provider affiliated with the Vashon Senior Center after its foot care specialist left.

“Once people found out the clinic existed, I was surprised at how many phone calls we got,” she said.

Macdonald explained that as people age, healthy feet are important for both safety and health reasons. Staying active can help with weight management, prevent blood clots and keeps muscles and bones strong. If the feet are too painful or unhealthy for walking or other activity, strength and balance can  be lost and the risk of falling increases.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) cites falls as the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries of adults 65 and older, resulting in 2.4 million emergency room visits and 722,000 hospitalizations in 2012 alone.

“That is why I exist,” Macdonald said. “As people get older, they become less flexible, have difficulty manipulating clippers and often can’t see well enough to take care of their feet, so I do it for them.”

Seniors with diabetes are at particular risk, as the nerve damage and circulation issues that can accompany the disease can make it difficult to know when there is something wrong with their feet and puts them at higher risk for infections.

Macdonald has taken special training in foot care through the Washington State Podiatric Association, and she recently set up a clinic in the Barber & Beauty Shoppe in Parker Plaza. Her services include a foot soak, nail trim, thorough exam of the feet, filing of corns and callouses, calf and foot massage and advice regarding  footwear.

Joy Goldstein, a client of Macdonald’s for the last five years, said she is grateful for the service.

“My feet feel better,” she said. “I can’t reach them myself any more, so I am very glad that she’s here to do this. My favorite part is the massage.”

Macdonald wasn’t surprised.

“That’s everyone’s favorite,” she said with a laugh.

Macdonald also makes home visits for those who cannot get to town.

Describing it as “the best nursing job she has ever had,” she says she loves what she does.

“I get to sit and talk with an incredible range of island elders,” she said. “I have a unique relationship with a whole lot of people now. I want to keep doing this until I retire.”