At Prestige Nursing & Care, we understand that personal care is important not only for health and wellbeing but also for confidence, self-esteem and independence. Our discreet and sensitive carers provide the personal care services you or a loved one need while always respecting dignity, choice and privacy.
Here, we explore what personal care is, when it may be required and how professional personal care can benefit you and your family.
What is personal care?
Personal care services are a form of support provided by professional carers to help with everyday personal tasks and hygiene.
Help with personal care can include:
- Bathing or showering
- Toileting
- Dressing and getting ready for bed
- Oral hygiene and denture care
- Skincare and makeup
- Haircare and shaving
- Foot care
- Continence care
When is personal care required?
Many older people require additional support with personal care as they experience changes in mobility, strength or confidence. Bathrooms can also present particular risks, with slippery surfaces, confined spaces and low toilet seats potentially increasing the risk of falls.
It can be difficult to know when a loved one needs help with personal care, as it is a private subject that many people find uncomfortable to discuss. Some signs may include wearing the same clothes repeatedly, bathing less frequently or neglecting oral hygiene.
If your loved one is hesitant to use the bathroom because of mobility difficulties or a fear of falling, adaptations such as grab rails, shower seats or other bathroom modifications may help them feel safer and more confident.
What are the benefits of personal care?
Personal care is important for the health and wellbeing of your loved one. Poor hygiene can cause discomfort and contribute to health problems, including skin infections and respiratory illnesses. It can also affect a person’s confidence and self-esteem.
Professional personal care can make everyday routines easier while helping your loved one maintain their dignity and independence. With the right support, they can continue living safely and comfortably in their own home.
Personal care and dementia
Personal care and hygiene can be particularly challenging for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. They may forget to brush their teeth or change their clothes, or find it difficult to accept help with bathing or toileting.
A carer experienced in dementia care will understand how to manage feelings of embarrassment, confusion or distress while helping your loved one maintain their personal care routines.
Building a relationship based on trust and mutual understanding is important. Carers can support personal care tasks while encouraging independence and allowing your loved one to make choices wherever possible, such as choosing their clothes or favourite bath products.
Personal care: What are your options?
It can be difficult for family members to provide personal care, particularly when intimate tasks are involved. If your loved one needs additional support, professional care may be the right choice for your family.
At Prestige Nursing & Care, we have over 80 years of experience providing discreet and sensitive personal care. Our care options can be tailored to suit individual needs, preferences and routines. Our carers provide support with daily personal care while respecting your loved one’s choices and encouraging them to maintain as much independence as possible.
- Hourly care
With hourly care, you can have a professional carer visit for one hour at a time or as often as you need. Visits can include personal care, housekeeping, medication management and other everyday tasks.
- Respite and live-in care
If you require a higher level of support, respite care or live-in care can provide more extensive support, including 24-hour care in your own home.
Responsive local teams with nationwide coverage
We provide care and support in over 40 locations across England and Scotland, with local teams working at the heart of their communities. Our fully managed service is highly responsive, and our local experts can put care packages in place quickly, working alongside healthcare professionals, multidisciplinary teams, therapeutic care providers and other community support services.
This holistic approach helps our clients get the most from life, for all of life. Find a care service near you. If you’re considering professional personal care, find out why our clients choose Prestige Nursing & Care for high-quality, responsive homecare.
Personal care frequently asked questions
Get support with personal care
If you or a loved one requires extra help with personal care, Prestige Nursing & Care is here to help. Contact us to speak to a dedicated care advisor. They can answer your questions and provide the impartial advice and information you need to make the right choice.