‘Personal care’ is a very broad phrase and covers a multitude of different situations, particularly when used in conjunction live-in care.

So, how much personal care is involved?

As with many things in the care industry, this depends on your client and their individual needs. Personal care can vary from helping someone brush their teeth to complete body washes and everything in between.

When your agency tells you that a new client needs help with personal care, you are quite right to ask just how much help is involved.

As a general rule clients who are at the start of their conditions will need less than those who are at advanced stages. This does vary because there are some conditions where mobility is affected from the onset. Some clients may need intense personal care after an accident or fall. Circumstances may change as they improve.

What protection do I need?

Again, this depends on the extent of the personal care. Most agencies will recommend that you wear a pair of disposable gloves for every type of personal care, and while this is an excellent suggestion when dealing with toilet issues, many people may consider it wasteful to wear gloves while putting toothpaste on the toothbrush.

It is entirely up to you what you wear when assisting your client with personal care. If you feel that contamination is an issue, then you should ask for a supply of disposable aprons along with gloves.

If you feel comfortable with only gloves then do so, although you should be aware that conditions deteriorate, sometimes very fast, so it is a good idea to always keep a box of gloves at hand.

Common sense

In a double carer booking when only one carer does the ‘dirty work’ it may not make sense for both carers to be dressed in gloves and aprons. The family may also consider this an extravagance as they will be paying for these, so be sensible about this. If you really do not come into contact with body fluids of any kind, then perhaps you could work without gloves and apron.

While no-one should force you to handle personal care without protection, there are some times when it may not be essential. It is important to make your own decisions on this.

If you are in any doubt about how much and what sort of protection you need, then clarify this with your agency or the family. The previous carer will also have her own views of what she considers enough.

To sum up

Personal care varies from client to client and depends on individual conditions. It can also vary from day to day as your client may have good days and bad days.

Personal care can mean anything from washing a face to full bed bathing. The amount of personal care your client needs may also vary from day to day, depending on their condition.

Before accepting a placement, you should clarify with your agency or family exactly how much personal care is involved. Bed bathing may need two people, so you must be sure that a second person is available to help you.

As for protection, you should follow your agency policy, as well as adding a good dose of your own common sense.

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