What is Personal Care?
If you’re ageing, living with disability, or have recently returned from hospital, there are plenty of support services available to help you live a happy and healthy life at home. Among the most essential of these services, is personal care.
But what exactly is personal care, who is it for, and how can it be organised? Here are the answers some frequently asked questions about personal care.
What are Personal Care Services?
Put simply, personal care refers to assistance with personal tasks.
These tasks may include:
- Toileting
- Bathing and hygiene
- Grooming
- Dressing
- Shaving
- Applying creams, and more
Personal care services may also assist with reading and writing, general nutrition, and mobility. Some people who receive personal care may need help with multiple tasks. Others may only require help with singular, more complex tasks—no two people are the same.
Who Might Benefit from Personal Care?
Someone may benefit from personal care if they find completing personal tasks challenging. This may be because of limited mobility, recent surgery, disability, or other physical conditions. Those who live with dementia, or who are neurodiverse may also benefit from personal care services.
How to Organise Personal Care
The journey to organising personal care will look different for everyone. For some, personal care may be carried out by a dedicated family member or close friend. There are no restrictions around who can provide care for a family member. However, it is recommended that all primary carers undergo a level of training. This way, the primary carer is equipped with the tools required to provide safe and adequate care.
For others, they may receive personal care with the help of an in home care and support provider. Care providers allow the person in need of support to receive professional care, while living comfortably at home. To organise this type of care, contact your chosen provider, and create a care plan. Or, if you think you may be eligible for government funding for personal care, contact My Aged Care.
If you or your loved one could benefit from personal care in Australia, we can help. Here at Simply Helping, we proudly offer flexible in home personal care services for older adults and people from all walks of life. Click here to learn more and contact us today.
