I don’t feel good about her bare feet. She’s a very nice person and a good caregiver. I don’t want to hurt her feelings but, I don’t like it. I gave her a pair of slippers, but she chooses not to wear them especially when she’s giving my relative showers which I can understand because she gets wet. She’s also rubbed our dog with her feet. It’s just an awkward situation all around. It might seem trivial, but it bothers me any help would be appreciated.
I'd insist on socks as well as shoes around relative's house. Bare feet in someone else's home is uncouth and unsanitary.
The priority is the health of your relatives, not her feelings.
Athelete's foot is also still "a thing". You are within your rights to ask that shoes be worn in your home. Some ask that you remove your shoes in THEIR house. Ha ha. Serve them right if you have nail fungus.
Was she hired as a private caregiver or is she employed by an agency?
If she is working for an agency, tell the agency that you have offered slippers and she refuses to use them.
Ask the agency to give her specific instructions not to work barefoot in your house.
If you have hired this person privately, be honest and tell her that you don’t like her working barefoot. It’s a safety hazard and it’s contagious.
She must walk into your home with shoes.
As soon as she enters your home, tell her to keep her shoes on. Don’t ask her. Tell her that you are not happy about her being barefoot in your home.
Do you think she will be offended by your instructions or feel that she will quit?
What is stopping you from talking to her about this other than feeling awkward?
You are her employer. She should respect your wishes.
Best of luck getting this situation resolved.
I recommend calling the agency and explaining that you expect all of the people they send to wear shoes.