Definition
Help with day-to-day things like eating, drinking, washing, going to the toilet, getting up, getting dressed and going to bed.
The bigger picture
Personal care isn’t a term we use in everyday life, so it’s another way of ‘othering’ people who require support. It also easily becomes the focus of conversations and plans, which cover how people will be supported to get up and dressed, but don’t make sure people have a reason to get up in the morning.
Saying it differently
Use everyday language, like getting up and having a wash, or communicate more broadly about supporting people to live their life.
What people say
“Personal care is another one that’s difficult as well. I find it very difficult to understand when they bring that up to be honest… To have personal care is quite weird. I thought, are they just caring for me or something? But then to come out with that it’s personal care you need, like showering or whatever, it’s very confusing really. Personal belongings – I think most people know what that means. But then personal care is a more awkward one.” – Rachel
“The term personal care makes me feel really confused, because if we actually break that down into what that means, it really doesn’t make any sense.” – Rich Amos
“If I was to need care, I would hope that all of it is personal.” – Rich Amos