“Personal care” is one of the most common phrases in home care, but families are not always sure what it means. Put simply, it is help with the everyday tasks that keep us clean, comfortable and well: the things most of us do for ourselves without thinking, until they become difficult.
This guide explains what personal care includes, what a visit looks like, and how good carers protect dignity and independence.
What personal care includes
- washing, bathing and showering;
- getting dressed and undressed;
- getting up in the morning and settling into bed at night;
- hair care, shaving and skin care;
- mouth care and dentures;
- using the toilet, and continence care;
- catheter and stoma care;
- reminders and support with medication;
- help with eating and drinking.
What a typical morning visit looks like
A carer arrives at an agreed time, says hello and checks how the person slept and how they are feeling. They help them out of bed, to the bathroom, and with a wash or shower. They help them dress in the clothes they have chosen, prompt or support with morning medication, make breakfast and a hot drink, and leave things tidy and within reach. Before leaving, they note anything the family or the office should know.
The same visit will look different for every person, because it follows their routine, not ours.
Dignity comes first
Accepting help with personal care can be hard. Many people feel embarrassed at first, or worry about losing their independence. Good carers understand this. They:
- always ask before helping, and explain what they are doing;
- keep the person covered and warm, and close doors and curtains;
- encourage the person to do as much as they can for themselves;
- respect preferences, from which soap they use to whether they prefer a bath or shower;
- never rush.
Most people quickly find that a kind, familiar carer makes personal care feel natural, and that it frees up time and energy for the things they enjoy.
Who needs personal care?
People who benefit from personal care include those who are frail, recovering from illness or a stay in hospital, living with arthritis, the effects of a stroke or dementia, or who have a physical or learning disability. It can be short-term, for example after an operation, or ongoing.
How often and how long?
Personal care visits are usually arranged at the same times each day, often a morning visit and an evening visit, with a lunchtime visit if needed. At Here to Care, visits start from half an hour and can be longer, seven days a week between 7am and 10pm.
Paying for personal care
If someone needs help with personal care, they may be entitled to Attendance Allowance, which is not means-tested. Read more about paying for home care in Essex.
Personal care in Saffron Walden
Here to Care provides personal care at home across Saffron Walden and the surrounding villages. We are rated Good by the Care Quality Commission, and every care plan is tailored to the person.
Call us on 01799 218190 to talk about what would help.
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