By Justin Engleka RN, CRNP
For many older adults in the Pittsburgh area, getting a simple but essential service—routine foot care—can be surprisingly difficult. Limited mobility, chronic illness, vision impairment, and lack of transportation often make routine foot care visits nearly impossible. That’s where Pittsburgh Mobile Footcare LLC steps in to fill a critical gap.
Founded in 2023 by Justin Engleka, a dual-certified Geriatric and Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner, the Monroeville-based mobile service brings skilled, compassionate foot care directly to seniors in the comfort of their homes. The practice serves clients throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area, including those in private residences, assisted living communities, and senior centers.
"Foot health is often overlooked, but it’s so important, especially for seniors and people with chronic conditions," says Engleka. "Many of my clients can’t get out to see a podiatrist, and podiatry offices rarely offer home visits anymore. That’s where we come in."
Routine foot care—which includes toenail trimming, callus and corn reduction, skin care, and foot health assessments—is vital for seniors, especially those with diabetes, neuropathy, edema, and other medical risk factors. Without proper maintenance, these individuals are at greater risk for serious complications.
Understanding High-Risk Foot Conditions in Seniors
As people age, several health conditions can significantly affect the lower extremities and increase the need for ongoing foot care:
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, particularly in the feet. This can lead to reduced sensation (neuropathy), delayed wound healing, and increased risk of ulcers and infections.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Common in both diabetic and non-diabetic seniors, neuropathy causes numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the feet. This can make it hard to notice injuries or pressure sores.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): PAD causes poor circulation to the legs and feet, which slows healing and raises the risk of infection.
• Chronic Edema: Persistent swelling in the feet and ankles can lead to skin breakdown, discomfort, and increased risk of cellulitis or wounds.
• Arthritis and Joint Deformities: Conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, and osteoarthritis can alter foot shape and function, making proper foot care and shoe fitting crucial.
• Thickened or Fungal Toenails: These are often difficult for seniors to manage on their own and can lead to painful complications if not treated.
Despite the critical need, many Medicare and insurance plans do not cover routine foot care unless certain conditions are met. This leaves many seniors with few options—until now. Pittsburgh Mobile Footcare offers private-pay services to bridge this gap, helping to prevent avoidable hospital visits and improve quality of life.
"Clients are incredibly appreciative," Engleka shares. "For many, it’s the first time in years they’ve had professional foot care. Their gratitude is heartfelt, and that makes this work so satisfying. It’s more than just trimming toenails—it’s helping people stay safe, mobile, and independent."
Engleka brings both medical expertise and a genuine passion for elder care to every appointment, ensuring each patient is treated with dignity and respect. In a healthcare environment that can sometimes feel rushed or impersonal, Pittsburgh Mobile Footcare stands out for its personalized, attentive approach.
As the population continues to age and demand for home-based services grows, Pittsburgh Mobile Footcare is not just meeting a need—it’s setting a new standard in senior care.
For more information, please visit www.pghfeet.com or to schedule an appointment, call (412) 357-8998.
Twenty-five years ago, Justin began his career as a hospice RN, providing care for Western Pennsylvanians suffering from terminal illnesses. Several years later, he completed his master’s degree and obtained dual certification as a Geriatric and Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner. Since that time, he has cared for thousands of patients with serious and chronic illnesses. This includes caring for patients in their own homes, hospitals, and nursing facilities. Justin realized that there are many gaps in healthcare today, especially for our vulnerable seniors at home. He founded Pittsburgh Mobile Footcare with the vision of providing high quality routine footcare to patients in need. In recent years, insurance regulations and the lack of home podiatry services have made adequate foot health challenging for many individuals. As chronic care shifts to the home, we are focused on providing a valuable service to seniors and other clients who prefer their care in the home, or other convenient settings. On a personal note, Justin was raised and currently lives in the Greater Pittsburgh area. He enjoys time with family and friends, visiting the Laurel Highlands, volunteering with local youth sports groups, and watching all Pittsburgh sports.
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