Whilst we realise it can be challenging to talk about personal care with our loved ones, having an open and honest conversation with them is essential to ensure their comfort and well-being.

Why is personal care so important?

Personal care, in the form of personal hygiene, is important because it helps prevent the spread of germs and diseases.

Maintaining good hygiene practices, such as washing hands thoroughly, brushing teeth and bathing daily, can dramatically reduce the risk of illness and infection, boost self-confidence and improve mental health.

Of course, there are several reasons why some people may struggle to maintain personal care at home.

For elderly individuals, physical limitations such as arthritis or mobility issues can make performing tasks such as bathing or grooming challenging.

Individuals with mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety may struggle with finding the motivation or energy to take care of themselves.

Financial constraints, lack of access to resources, or lack of education about proper hygiene practices can also contribute to difficulties in maintaining personal care.

How should I broach the subject? 

With such a sensitive topic as personal hygiene, it’s important to approach the conversation with sensitivity and respect to create a safe and supportive environment for discussion.

Start by expressing your concern for their well-being and emphasising the importance of good personal hygiene.

Use a calm and non-judgmental tone of voice, and ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings.

Once you have a clear idea of what aspects of personal care they are struggling with, it’s time to consider how you can assist them in the future.

If bathing is problematic, maybe it’s time to consider swapping the bath for a shower instead. If a shower is already in place, offering a helping hand to get in and out of the cubicle and checking the temperature to avoid scalding may be all that is needed to encourage them to continue looking after themselves at home.

If your relative has limited mobility, they may struggle to reach certain areas of their body while bathing or showering. Something as simple as investing in a long-handled loofah could help them reach those hard-to-reach areas, or it may be necessary to go one step further and offer them your support.

We understand it can be difficult to accept help from family members, especially when it comes to intimate hygiene. If you or your loved one feels uncomfortable with you assisting with their bathing needs, it may be time to consider seeking additional support from a paid carer who can offer discreet personal care at home.

How our carers can help…

Here at Premier Community, our care assistants are fully trained in every aspect of personal care to ensure we maintain the highest quality of respect and dignity throughout a client’s care plan.

Whether you’re looking for assistance with showering or bathing, incontinence care, or help with more clinical personal care such as changing or cleaning a stoma or catheter bag, our personal care services are fully flexible to suit every individual’s need.

Further resources

Here’s a list of government resources families can turn to for guidance and support regarding personal care and hygiene for their loved ones:

NHS Choices

• Website: NHS Personal Care Guide
• The NHS offers information on maintaining personal hygiene, managing incontinence, and personal care support for those with disabilities or long-term conditions.
• You can also find details on accessing carers, district nurses, and continence services.

Gov.uk – Carers and Personal Support

• Website: Care and Support Guide
• Provides information on how to request a needs assessment for a loved one and outlines care services, including personal care and hygiene support available through local councils.

Care Quality Commission (CQC)

• Website: CQC Information for Families
• The CQC offers advice on finding quality care providers who offer personal hygiene assistance and ensure services meet government standards.

Age UK

• Website: Age UK Advice
•  Age UK works in partnership with the NHS and councils. It provides guides and resources on managing hygiene and personal care for elderly relatives.