While searching for a homecare provider, you might have come across the term “Personal Care”.

Personal care is defined by The Care Quality Commission as “the regulated activity of personal care consists of the provision of personal care for people who are unable to provide it for themselves, because of old age, illness or a disability, and which is provided to them in the place where those people are living at the time when the care is provided.”

This means that personal care is used to refer to supporting a person with personal hygiene and toileting, along with dressing and maintaining your personal appearance.

• Bathing and showering, including bed-baths

• Applying lotions and creams as required

• Dressing and getting ready for bed

• Oral hygiene

• Applying make-up and hair care

• Support with shaving

• Foot care, especially if you are diabetic, as you need to be extra vigilant with your feet

• Helping you to the toilet, including using a commode or bed pan

• Changing continence pads, along with cleaning intimate areas

• Support moving position in bed to stretch and prevent bed sores

• Changing or maintaining a stoma or catheter bag, or other form of clinical intervention

In getting to know you as a person, your care plan will outline your likes and dislikes, the hygiene or beauty products you want to use and what – and who – you feel most comfortable with. Particular tasks, such as cutting nails and shaving, will always be outlined in your support plan with specific instructions for your carer.

Each carer is expertly trained to provide personal care in a way that is discreet and respectful of your personal boundaries. They undertake extensive training where they learn the importance of enabling your dignity and independence at all times.

Even though carers are trained to provide all aspects of personal care, there may be some things you would prefer to do for yourself. A good carer will always give you space when you want it and encourage your independence wherever they can.

Like all forms of care, support with personal care is built completely around your individual needs and personal routines.

 If you like to wash before breakfast or have a bath before going to bed, a carer will happily follow your schedule, letting you live the way you want.

With homecare, you have the choice of having a visiting carer– someone who visits at set times of the day or even overnight – to provide the support you need. If you require ongoing support, it may be best to have a live-in carer, living at home with you. 

Many carers support with other tasks in addition to personal care. In fact, they are also trained to administer medication, help those with limited mobility to move safely around the home (especially using hoists and supports) and can prepare meals, complete household chores and even offer companionship, ongoing support and encouragement.

Please get in touch with our team to find out more about what a carer can support you with. Spectrum Homecare can visit you at home to discuss the options and arrange the type of support you are looking for.

Personal care is having support with personal care, whether it’s help with dressing, bathing, or assistance with meals and medication, and it can make a big difference to your quality of life. We understand that personal care can be sensitive to each individual. That is why our carers are discreet and take time to build a close rapport with our clients to make sure it is a more individual and personal experience. Different people have different needs and we adapt our personal care services to suit your specific requirements. Our caregivers are trained to provide care with dignity and respect.

Our care and support also takes into account other things, such as health conditions, and we can offer care at home services tailored for those living with life changing or long-term illnesses such as Dementia, Parkinsons and other conditions.

As with everything else we offer, our personal care services are tailored to you and your wishes.