When it becomes apparent that your loved one is becoming incapable or struggles with what were once simple day-to-day tasks, such as maintaining their personal hygiene, getting dressed or going to the bathroom, it is time to consider personal care services. Personal care means anything done for you that’s of personal nature and it is tailored to the specific needs of the individual while ensuring that their dignity and independence are maintained. Personal care can be difficult for family members to carry out and can require a trained professional.
Why do people require personal care?
People may require personal care for a variety of reasons, including age-related health issues, disabilities, injuries, chronic illnesses, and cognitive impairments. As people age or experience health issues, they may have difficulty performing day-to-day activities independently. Personal care services can also help prevent health complications and promote well-being. Proper personal hygiene, for example, can prevent infections, while assistance with medication management can help ensure that individuals take their medications as prescribed.
What does personal care involve?
Personal care services are designed based on the specific needs of the resident in the care home. Care assistants will collaborate with the resident’s family, social workers, and GPs to create a personalised care plan. This care plan will outline their needs and responsibilities of the carer. In a care home setting, personal care services include:
- Assistance with going to and from bed: this aspect of personal care involves supporting the resident move from their bed to a standing position and vice versa. The care provider may use mobility aids, such as hoists, slings or lift chairs, to assist residents who have difficulty moving due to mobility impairments.
- Hygiene support: personal hygiene is paramount in maintaining physical health and wellbeing. Personal care services in a care home setting includes supporting the resident with washing, oral care, bathing, and day-to-day hygiene such as styling hair, shaving and skincare. The care providers are trained professionals and will respect the resident’s privacy and dignity throughout the process.
- Help with going to the toilet: care home assistants can assist residents with getting to the toilet or changing incontinence aids. Care assistants will be aware of the resident’s individual needs and preferences to maintain their dignity and privacy.
- Assist with housework: personal care assistant’s responsibilities may also extend to housekeeping tasks such as cleaning their living environment, and ensuring their laundry is done correctly.
- Assist with feeding if necessary: personal care services can include assisting the resident with feeding and ensuring they get their nutrients and enough water for hydration. They should also be aware of any swallowing difficulties or other feeding issues and take appropriate steps to ensure that residents receive adequate nutrition and hydration.
- Administering medications: finally, personal care services may involve prompting and administering medication. Care providers should be trained to administer medication safely and accurately and ensure that residents receive their medication on time and in the correct dosage. They should also be aware of any potential side effects or interactions with other medications and report any concerns to the appropriate healthcare professionals.
Who delivers personal care?
Personal care can be delivered by friends, relatives or by paid care workers. In a care home setting, personal care is typically provided by a team of care home assistants who are trained and qualified to deliver high-quality care to residents. Care home assistants are trained to deliver personal care in a safe, dignified, and respectful manner. They receive regular training to ensure they are up to date with the latest techniques, equipment, and best practices in personal care. This training covers a wide range of topics, including infection control, medication management, manual handling, and first aid.
Personal care for someone living with dementia
It is common for someone who is living with dementia to require support with personal care matters such as personal hygiene, dressing, toileting, and other activities that are necessary for their physical well-being. However, providing personal care for someone living with dementia in a care home setting can be particularly challenging. Care home staff need to understand the unique needs of each resident and provide personalised care that takes into account their preferences, abilities, and limitations. With appropriate training and support, care home staff can provide high-quality personal care that enhances the quality of life for individuals living with dementia.
Personal care services play a vital role in maintaining the physical and emotional wellbeing of individuals who are no longer able to perform day-to-day tasks independently. Whether delivered in a care home setting or at home by a family member or paid care worker, personal care services are tailored to the specific needs of the individual, ensuring their dignity and independence is maintained. If you or your loved one is struggling with day-to-day tasks, it may be time to consider personal care services to maintain physical and emotional wellbeing.
At The Fremantle Trust, our carers are trained professionals that can provide high-quality care to enhance residents’ quality of life. View our nursing homes and residential care homes in Buckinghamshire or contact us, today.
We have care homes located across the Buckinghamshire county. Learn more about care homes nearest to you:
Care home Aylesbury
Care home Princes Risborough
Care home Chalfont St Peter
Care home Amersham
Care homes Slough
Care home Chesham
Care home Stoke
Burnham care homes
Care homes High Wycombe
Care homes Marlow