Personal Care

October 12, 2025

‍Personal Care: The Essentials of Everyday Support

As we age, certain tasks that once seemed simple can become more difficult. This is where personal care comes in. It is about getting the support you need to maintain your dignity, independence, and comfort as you navigate daily life. Personal care in aged care can include a wide range of services, all aimed at helping you feel your best, both physically and emotionally.

What Is Personal Care?

Personal care in an aged care setting refers to the assistance with daily activities that many older adults might need as they grow older. These tasks can range from something as simple as getting dressed to more complex needs like assistance with eating or mobility. The goal of personal care is to help you maintain your independence and feel confident in your day-to-day activities.

Some examples of personal care services include:

Bathing and showering
Dressing
Grooming (like brushing your hair or shaving)
Assistance with toileting
Oral care (brushing teeth, dentures, etc.)
Mobility support (help with getting in and out of bed or walking)

These services are delivered in a respectful and dignified manner, making sure your preferences are always considered.

How Does Personal Care Fit into Aged Care?

In aged care, personal care is an essential part of the services provided to you. It is about supporting you with the daily tasks you might struggle with while preserving your independence and dignity.

Under aged care standards, aged care providers are required to offer personal care services that meet your individual needs. This means:

Your personal preferences are taken into account. If you prefer to shower in the morning or evening, your carers will accommodate this.
Respect for privacy is a top priority, making sure you feel comfortable and safe during personal care activities.
Trained professionals assist with tasks to make sure they are done properly, safely, and respectfully.

Why Is Personal Care Important?

Personal care is more than just physical support—it helps preserve your sense of self. As we age, maintaining personal hygiene, dressing appropriately, and feeling clean and comfortable can boost confidence and improve quality of life. When these tasks become too difficult to do on your own, personal care services can provide the help you need to keep feeling like yourself.

Moreover, having personal care services available can reduce the risk of health issues such as skin infections or falls. The goal is not only to assist with basic needs but to maintain your health and well-being in the long term.

What Should You Expect from Personal Care Services?

Personal care services are tailored to your individual needs. You can expect:

Respectful communication about your preferences
Kindness and empathy from carers who understand the importance of your dignity
Regular check-ins to make sure your needs are being met
Adherence to aged care standards to ensure safety and comfort

The right personal care can make a big difference in how you feel every day. Whether you receive care in a nursing home, your own home, or through a community service, knowing that help is available when you need it can give you peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Personal care is about more than just helping with tasks—it is about maintaining your independence, dignity, and quality of life as you age. When done right, personal care in aged care settings can provide the support you need to feel comfortable and respected every day. Whether it is assistance with bathing, dressing, or just having someone to talk to, personal care helps you live life on your terms.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Personal Care in an aged care setting?

Personal care in an aged care setting refers to the assistance with daily activities that many older adults might need as they grow older. The goal is to help maintain independence and confidence in day-to-day activities by assisting with tasks ranging from getting dressed to more complex needs like eating or mobility.

What are some examples of Personal Care services provided?

Examples of personal care services include assistance with bathing and showering, dressing, grooming (like brushing hair or shaving), assistance with toileting, oral care (brushing teeth, dentures, etc.), and mobility support (help with getting in and out of bed or walking).

How does Personal Care fit within the Aged Care standards?

In aged care, personal care is an essential part of the services provided, aimed at supporting daily tasks while preserving independence and dignity. Providers are required to offer services that meet individual needs, meaning personal preferences (like preferred shower time) are accommodated, respect for privacy is a top priority, and trained professionals assist with tasks safely and respectfully.

Why is Personal Care considered important?

Personal care is important because it offers more than just physical support; it helps preserve a person's sense of self and boosts confidence by maintaining personal hygiene, dressing appropriately, and feeling clean and comfortable. Furthermore, having these services available can reduce the risk of health issues such as skin infections or falls, thereby maintaining long-term health and well-being.

‍

More Glossary items

War widow/widower pensions

War widow and widower pensions provide vital financial support to the surviving partners of veterans. These government payments are generally non-taxable and are treated differently in aged care assessments, often reducing or eliminating means-tested care fees for residential or home care services. Understanding how these pensions interact with aged care fees can help recipients plan their finances and maintain access to essential services.

Veteran and war widow/widower pensioners

This guide explains aged care support options for Australian veterans and war widows/widowers. It covers eligibility for government-funded aged care services, access to Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) support, and how pensions affect aged care fees. The article highlights the importance of recognising the unique needs of this group to ensure respectful and appropriate care.

System Governor

The System Governor plays a vital role in Australia’s aged care system, overseeing service quality, continuity, and fair access for older Australians. This post explains its responsibilities, including policy development, provider accountability, and initiatives like Star Ratings, ensuring that aged care services are reliable, safe, and equitable.

Substitute decision-making

Substitute decision-making is used when an older person can no longer make important decisions on their own. A substitute decision-maker steps in to make choices about medical treatment, personal care, and living arrangements. Their role is to follow the person’s known wishes or act in their best interests when those wishes are not clear. Families can plan ahead by legally appointing someone they trust, and any valid Advance Care Directive must be followed. Understanding how substitute decision-making works helps ensure the person’s rights, preferences, and wellbeing remain at the centre of care.

Supported decision-making

Supported decision making is a rights-based approach that helps you stay in control of your life as you receive aged care services. Instead of others making choices for you, this approach focuses on giving you the information, tools, and support you need to make your own decisions. This support can come from family members, friends, or independent advocates who help you understand options and express your preferences.

Statement of Rights

The Aged Care Statement of Rights outlines the protections every older person can expect when receiving funded aged care services in Australia. It affirms core rights such as independence, choice, equitable access, quality and safe care, privacy, and clear communication. The Statement also ensures that individuals can speak up, provide feedback, or make complaints without fear of unfair treatment. For providers, it establishes clear responsibilities to act in line with these rights and demonstrate genuine understanding in daily practice. This framework places the dignity, identity, and preferences of the older person at the centre of all care decisions.

Self-advocacy

Self-advocacy is the ability to speak up for your needs, preferences, and rights when receiving aged care. It helps maintain autonomy, ensure quality services, and improve communication with care providers. By asking questions, expressing preferences, raising concerns, and keeping simple records, individuals can take an active role in directing their care. When extra support is needed, family, friends, or independent advocates can help ensure the person’s voice remains central to all decisions.

Sanction or Sanctions in place

Sanctions in Australian Aged Care are serious regulatory actions taken when a provider fails to meet required quality and safety standards. This article explains what sanctions are, why they are imposed, and the steps that lead to them, including Notices to Remedy and decisions by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. It outlines common sanction conditions, their impact on providers, and what they mean for residents. The summary also answers key questions about sanction duration, consequences for ongoing non-compliance, how to find sanctioned facilities, and resident rights. The goal is to help readers clearly understand how sanctions protect the safety and wellbeing of older Australians.