It is difficult to care for my dad's nails on his hand because he had a stroke a long time ago and his arm and hand stay curled up, closed, contracted.I have tried keeping a cushion under his forearm and in his hand. It can help, but he pulls it out. He has dementia. I tried a cushion with a gentle strap to help stay in place on his hand, but he didn't like it and it bothered, hurt his hand.I have tried very simple, gentle, movement, range of motion, exercises. It helps a tiny bit in both movement and comfort for him. But it's not enough to be able to open up or move his hand to help trim, clean, file his nails. Physical therapy doesn't seem to be an option. He just can't do it. He's too weak. Every time in the past that he's been in the hospital, they do their routine therapy evaluation and note it as he would not benefit from it or improve from his current baseline.I always try to wait for the right time of day when his arm and hand are a little more relaxed. But it's just real difficult to care for his nails. Every movement is uncomfortable, or hurts. I end up having to lean way over his slightly propped up arm and hand and gently angle his hand barely enough to try to get to the nails, even if the cushion is in his hand. I have to do one nail at a time only. And it's nearly impossible to clean under the nails. I research and read, looking for tips, anything that may help, but nothing seems to work. I thought about one of those electric nail trimmers. But I don't think I can get it in the right position on that hand and I don't think he will like the vibration, even if it is slight, that it may cause.Maybe I'm just talking here. Just at a loss as to what I can do to help this be better for him and be able to get it done. Thank you for listening.
A therapist made him a brace type contraption early on to try and keep his hand opened but my husband didn't like it and ended up not wanting to wear it.
You can also try a dry washcloth rolled up and put it inside of his contracted hand as that does help some and keeps that hand from smelling bad as well.
Or you can just gently work on opening his hand with your own hand taking your time before you attempt to cut your dads nails.
I cut my husbands finger nails when needed(using a regular nail clippers), which is important especially on the contracted hand as otherwise the nails will dig into their hand causing more issues, and while he did complain that it hurt I reminded him how important it was that I get it done and that I wasn't trying to hurt him.
Thankfully it's just one hand that hurts so it shouldn't take you long to cut the nails on that one hand. And once cut, stay on top of it so they don't get long enough to get any dirt or grime under them.
From Google: Angled nail clippers are ideal for seniors as they feature a specialized 7° to 45° angled head or a 360° rotating design. This lets you trim nails comfortably from any position without bending your wrist or back. Paired with an extra-long handle, they reduce the hand force needed by 60%.
From me:
I purchased 360 degree nail clippers. They take some getting used to but you can cut from any angle. This won't help on a tightly clinched fist but it is better than angling your entire body to ise straight clippers.
Try looking for "swivel nail clippers" or "360 nail clippers". The phrase "Angled nail clippers" gives you a different type.
Good luck and again: You are doing a great job.
https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/advice/hand-contractures
All the best to you and your dad.