Presenting large-print educational materials boosts foot care for older adults with diabetes

Big print, big impact: why readability wins in foot care education

When we talk about caring for an older client with diabetes, the conversation often centers on numbers, routines, and checklists. But there’s a quiet, everyday detail that can shape outcomes just as surely as a well-timed blood sugar check: readability. In foot care education, presenting information in large print isn’t a cosmetic choice—it’s a practical, compassionate move that helps people understand, remember, and act on care instructions. The goal isn’t to impress with fancy fonts; it’s to ensure that important steps don’t slip through the cracks simply because text was hard to read.

Let’s zoom in on the why, the how, and the real-world benefits of big-print education for this population.

Why large print matters: aging eyes meet diabetes stakes

Older adults often experience changes in vision—smaller print can feel like a puzzle, even when the rest of the plan is crystal clear. Add to that the cognitive load of absorbing new routines and the anxiety that can come with health changes, and you’ve got a recipe for missed instructions rather than confident self-care.

In diabetes foot care, missing a detail can lead to blisters, sores, or infections that sneak up quickly. A simple guideline like “check between the toes daily” becomes much easier to follow when the words are easy to see, the contrast is strong, and the layout guides the eye. Large-print materials reduce the friction between understanding and action. They’re not a substitute for talking things through, but they create a more welcoming doorway for patients to enter the care plan.

What large-print education looks like in practice

Here are some practical elements that make big-print materials truly effective:

• Font size and type: Aim for 14 to 18 point, and use a clean sans-serif font. It’s easier on the eyes than elaborate script or dense serif styles.

• High contrast: Black text on white or pale yellow backgrounds with plenty of white space helps readability. Avoid color combinations that blur text against the backdrop.

• Plain language: Short sentences, common words, and concrete instructions beat medical jargon every time. If you must use a term like “neuropathy,” follow it with a simple explanation.

• Clear structure: Break content into small, digestible chunks. Use headings and bullet points to guide the reader through steps like daily foot checks, nail care, and shoe selection.

• Visual aids: Include simple diagrams or photos that show what “good foot care” looks like. A labeled image can often convey more than a paragraph of text.

• Consistency across materials: Use the same layout and terminology in handouts, posters, and digital resources so the patient isn’t rereading and re-learning with every encounter.

That combination—big print, plain language, visual cues—creates a message that’s easy to grasp, remember, and apply. It’s about removing barriers, not adding them.

Beyond print: how to reinforce learning in real life

Great print is a start, but education in clinician–patient interactions benefits from complementary strategies. Think of it as a toolkit rather than a single tool.

• Teach-back method: After explaining a step, ask the patient to explain it back in their own words. If they stumble, reframe the instruction in simpler terms or with a quick demonstration. This isn’t about testing them; it’s about confirming understanding.

• Demonstrations and hands-on practice: Show how to wash feet gently, dry them thoroughly, and inspect for redness or cracks. Let the patient practice with guidance; hands-on work helps cement the steps far better than reading alone.

• Use of models and visuals: A foot care model or labeled images can make abstract ideas concrete. Point to specific areas on the model as you describe what to look for and what to do.

• Take-home tools: A large-print checklist or laminated cue card that stays by the sink or in a purse can prompt daily action. Include a simple “if you notice this, do that” section to empower decision-making.

• Accessibility in the care setting: Good lighting, a comfortable chair, and a quiet space help the patient focus. If there are visual or cognitive challenges, consider bringing a caregiver into the conversation so they can help reinforce the message at home.

A patient-centered frame: meeting people where they are

This approach isn’t about making things easier for the nurse; it’s about respecting the patient’s reality. A large-print handout acknowledges that aging and diabetes can alter how information is received. It signals: you’re seen, you’re heard, and your pace matters. When people feel that, they’re more likely to engage, ask questions, and take ownership of their foot care routine.

A few practical scenarios: the real-world payoff

• Scenario one: Mrs. Alvarez, 72, with type 2 diabetes and early cataracts, receives a large-print handout with a simple daily foot-check routine. She reads it aloud with her granddaughter, then places the card on the bathroom mirror. A week later, she tells you she has noticed a small crack between two toes she would have missed before, and she scheduled a clinician appointment promptly.

• Scenario two: Mr. Chen, 78, has mild cognitive impairment. The large-print sheet uses short steps: Wash, Dry, Inspect, Moisturize, and Shoes. He follows the sequence more reliably and feels confident enough to share his home setup with his caregiver. The result isn’t perfect—no one expects that—but the pattern is clearer, and independence grows where it matters most.

Common mistakes to avoid (and what to do instead)

• Too much text on one page: Break information into bite-sized sections with generous white space. If you must pack content, distribute it across two or three connected sheets rather than a single dense handout.

• Small or decorative fonts in critical sections: Reserve a straightforward, bold type for headings and a readable size for body text. Never rely on color alone to convey meaning; always pair color with words.

• Skipping confirmation: Don’t assume “they got it.” Use teach-back and offer to repeat the steps in a different way, perhaps with a short demonstration again.

• Overloading the tool bag: A big print sheet is helpful, but pair it with a simple, tactile checklist or a laminated card. The different formats reinforce the message through multiple channels.

Connecting to broader goals: accessibility as a driver of health outcomes

When the care team prioritizes accessibility, we’re not just making a patient happier in the moment—we’re supporting healthier habits over time. Foot wounds in diabetes are often preventable with routine checks and proper shoe wear, but those habits falter if the patient can’t read or easily interpret the guidance. Large-print materials are a practical embodiment of patient-centered care. They reflect a respect for the patient’s sensory realities and a commitment to empowering self-management.

Practical resources you can lean on

• National organizations offer patient education materials designed with readability in mind. The American Diabetes Association and similar groups often provide handouts that can be adapted into large-print formats.

• Local hospital or clinic libraries sometimes have ready-to-use large-print sheets and posters that you can personalize for your patient population.

• Digital tools matter, too. If you’re sharing information online or via a patient portal, ensure the interface supports adjustable text size and high-contrast themes. But always offer a printed version for those who prefer or require it.

A few closing thoughts: small changes, big results

You don’t need a grand overhaul to make a meaningful difference. Start with the print you hand to an older client who’s managing diabetes. ask yourself: Is it easy to read? Is the step-by-step guidance clear, with room to ask questions? Does the material invite them to take the next action, not overwhelm them with jargon?

The answer to these questions can steer you toward practical tweaks that multiply impact. And the best part is, the improvements tend to cascade: clearer instructions lead to more confidence, which in turn boosts adherence and, ultimately, foot health.

Let me explain it this way: if the message is delivered in a way that respects the patient’s pace and abilities, the care cycle becomes a collaborative journey rather than a one-sided sermon. That shift—toward accessible communication—helps patients stay engaged with daily routines that prevent complications, preserve mobility, and support independence.

In the end, this is about trust as much as technique. A patient who reads and understands a large-print guide feels seen. They’re more likely to ask questions, share concerns, and perform the steps that keep their feet healthy. For clinicians, that translates into fewer preventable issues, more meaningful conversations, and a stronger sense of partnership with the people we serve.

If you’re exploring how to craft effective foot-care education for older clients with diabetes, start by testing your materials for readability. Hold them at arm’s length, tilt them slightly, and consider whether you’d feel confident following the steps after a few minutes with the sheet. If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track. If not, tweak the page, increase the font, or add a simple illustration. The goal is simple, too: make understanding effortless so each person can take control of their own foot health.

And yes, big print isn’t the only ingredient, but it’s a reliable one. When patients can read clearly, they’re more likely to engage, remember, and act—which is exactly the kind of patient-centered care that makes a real difference in diabetes outcomes. So next time you prepare education for an older client, start with size—big enough to see, easy enough to follow, and thoughtful enough to honor the person behind the prescription.