My TD is out of control. It’s in my hands, my legs, my face… It’s awful. Anyhow, I wanted to clip my nails tonight, and it’s not going well at all. I clip uneven and too short because I’m so shaky.
I’m thinking it might be easier to go in and have my nails manicured every other week. I like them short and neat, but I don’t require polish or anything. I am a bit worried about the cost, though. I don’t have a ton extra in the budget I’ve written because I’m paying for school. So is it pricey? Anyone know what can be expected? And what percentage do you tip (if in the US)?
Medicare generally does not pay for routine fingernail clipping or personal grooming services, even if a medical condition makes it difficult.
Medicaid/Medi-Cal may sometimes pay for personal care assistance if your medical condition causes you to need help with activities of daily living. Fingernail clipping could potentially be included as part of a broader personal care service, but it usually would not be covered as a standalone “nail clipping” benefit.
With tardive dyskinesia, the key issue is not the nail clipping itself but whether your involuntary movements make you unable to safely perform basic self-care. If you cannot use clippers safely (risk of cutting yourself, dropping tools, etc.), your doctor can document that limitation.
Since you’ve mentioned California, the program to ask about would likely be Medi-Cal IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services), which can provide help with certain personal care tasks if you qualify.
A useful way to ask is:
“Because of my tardive dyskinesia, I cannot safely trim my fingernails. Is this something that can be included as a personal care service?”
Do you have Medi-Cal only, or both Medicare and Medi-Cal (dual eligible)? That changes which route is most likely to work.
I have trouble clipping my fingernails because of Tardive Dyskenisia, can I hire someone to come in and clip them because I can’t afford a manicure at a salon?
Yes, you may be able to hire someone to come to your home to clip your fingernails, and it may be much cheaper than a salon manicure.
Some options:
Home health aides / personal care aides: If your tardive dyskinesia makes nail clipping difficult because of involuntary movements, a caregiver may be able to help with grooming tasks like fingernails. You can look for agencies that provide personal care services (not just medical nursing).
Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California): Since you’ve mentioned California, if you have Medi-Cal, ask about In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). IHSS can sometimes cover help with personal care tasks when a person cannot safely do them independently because of a medical condition. Nail care may or may not be approved depending on your assessed needs and whether it is considered part of a covered personal care task.
Independent caregivers: A private caregiver, home companion, or home health aide may do simple nail clipping. Rates vary, but some people charge by the visit rather than a full hourly service.
Mobile nail technicians: Some nail technicians come to homes, but they may still charge manicure prices.
A few cautions: because tardive dyskinesia can cause sudden movements, you’ll want someone patient and experienced. Avoid having an untrained person cut nails if there’s a risk of injury.
If you have Medicare only, routine fingernail trimming is usually not covered. If you have Medicaid/Medi-Cal, it is worth asking about.
It’s $15 at the salon by me. @77nick77 gave excellent advice. @TrueMist has a good idea - go to a beauty school. It costs less there and the students are supervised so they’ll likely do a great job.
Thank you so much, @77nick77@TrueMist@zoa@Lilyofthevalley! I am not on Medicare; I have private insurance through my husband. They do not offer that kind of service, but it sounds fantastic to have. I know this may sound silly, but I don’t think family can help. My daughter would be horrified by the request, and my husband has a hard time seeing things up close now. I love him, but he’s also maybe not as careful as I would be, and I don’t want my nails done too short. I think that a beauty school is my best bet. That sounds fantastic! I know we have one near us, and I don’t know how much it costs but will look into it. Thanks again!!! Y’all are fantastic!
I found one!!! It’s $10 and not too far. When I get my car and am driving again, I can easily go. I just have to be able to walk a small bit from the parking lot to the building because it’s downtown, and the only other parking is parallel- at which I am miserable.