Personal care in the home

There are ways to make personal care tasks easier to manage.

Dressing and undressing

You can make dressing and undressing easier by:

• choosing knitted, jersey or silky fabrics which are easy to get on and off
• using elasticated waistbands - these are easier to manage than other fastenings
• choosing clothes and underwear that fasten at the front
• adapting your clothes such as swapping to Velcro or magnetic fastenings instead of buttons or zips

Washing, showering and bathing

To stay safe while washing you should:

• use a non-slip mat in the shower or bath
• keep the bathroom floor dry to avoid slips and falls
• keep items you need within easy reach
• take your time and don't rush

Adapting your home, for example installing ramps and rails, may make tasks easier to manage.

Using the toilet

There are some things you can do to avoid a fall when visiting the toilet. You should:

• make sure the way to the toilet is well lit
• consider using a commode at night
• use a grab rail to hold onto when getting up from the toilet; a walking frame can easily tip over

Equipment is available that can help you to carry out personal care tasks such as using the toilet.

Adapting your home, for example installing ramps and rails, may make tasks easier to manage

Incontinence

If you have incontinence, don't be embarrassed about getting medical help. The symptoms can be improved, and sometimes cured, with simple methods.

Food shopping and cooking

Special equipment may help if you find it difficult to prepare or cook meals, or find eating and drinking hard.

You get help with shopping and even get meals delivered to your home.

Sight and hearing loss

If you have sight or hearing loss there is equipment and a range of services available to help with your personal care.

Pet care

Cinnamon Trust (opens in a new window) may be able to help if you are struggling to look after your pets and you don't have anyone who can help to care for them.

Volunteers from the Cinnamon Trust may be able to walk your dog. Contact them on their website or telephone 01736 757900

Some home care providers can also help to look after your pets and walk your dog, as well as helping you with personal care. 

Personal assistants

Personal assistants can be employed whether you pay for your own support or have a personal budget from the council.

The role of a personal assistant (PA) is different to that of a care assistant as they are able to offer more varied and flexible support.

There are many benefits to employing a PA:

• you choose who supports you
• you decide what you want them to do
• you decide when you want them to work

Live-in care

A care assistant can be employed to live in your home as a full time carer.

Live-in care may cost from £600 to £900 a week depending on the number of hours and support given.

Advantages of live-in care over a residential home include:

• remaining in your own home
• staying together with a partner and/or pets
• maintaining your social life and still having holidays
• giving added reassurance for relatives and friends
• one-to-one support allowing you to build a relationship with your carer

Disadvantages of live-in care over a residential home include:

• not being suitable for severe needs
• requiring a spare room for an extra person
• living with a stranger may not be right for you
• becoming expensive over time and requiring financial planning

This  checklist (opens in a new window) gives a list of important things to think about when choosing a care agency.

Paying for your long term care

There is further information about how to pay for care services in your own home.

We also have advice on financial care planning. 

Our top ten things to think about will help you to plan your future care, even if you don't need support at the moment.

Advocacy

Advocacy is available if you need help to express your views and wishes.