As people age, everyday tasks such as washing, dressing and grooming can become harder. Noticing the signs early helps you keep your loved one safe, healthy and dignified. This guide explains what personal care involves, common warning signs to watch for, how to start a sensitive conversation and how Live In Solutions can help.
What is personal care?
Personal care covers the daily activities needed to maintain hygiene, appearance and comfort. Typical tasks include bathing, dressing, oral care, toileting, hair and nail care, and help with eating. Personal care is about more than cleanliness. It supports dignity, independence and overall wellbeing.
Signs to look out for
If you spot any of the following, it may be time to consider extra support:
- Decline in grooming
Not brushing hair, neglecting shaving or failing to wash regularly. - Dirty or repeated clothing
Wearing the same clothes for several days or wearing stained garments. - Persistent body odour
A noticeable or ongoing smell that suggests infrequent washing. - Poor oral health
Bad breath, sore or bleeding gums, missing or discoloured teeth. - Unkempt living space
Dirty dishes, overflowing bins, and general household neglect. - Difficulty with dressing
Trouble fastening buttons, putting on shoes or choosing appropriate clothes. - Weight loss or poor nutrition
Skipping meals, losing weight or showing little interest in food. - Reduced mobility or balance
Struggling to get out of a chair, unable to climb stairs safely or increased falls. - Withdrawal from social life
Avoiding visitors, cancelling plans or seeming low in mood.
If several of these signs appear together, a professional assessment is recommended.
How to raise the subject with care and respect
Talking about personal care can be sensitive. Use a calm, collaborative and patient approach:
- Begin with empathy. Acknowledge feelings and stress that your concern comes from love.
- Focus on independence. Explain that help can preserve dignity and let them stay at home longer.
- Use “we” language. Phrases like “Let’s see what might make things easier for you” feel less confrontational.
- Offer choices. Let them help choose the type of support and the carer if possible.
- Keep it gradual. Start with small steps, for example offering help a few times a week.
- Give them time to express worries and preferences.
- Reassure privacy. Explain how carers respect confidentiality and personal boundaries.
Practical next steps
If you decide to seek support, these actions will help:
- Arrange a needs assessment with the GP, local council or a care provider.
- Keep a diary of daily tasks that are becoming difficult. This helps with planning.
- Involve the person in meetings and decisions wherever possible.
- Consider a trial period of visiting care or respite live in care to see how they respond.
How Live In Solutions can help
At Live In Solutions, we specialise in live in care tailored to each person’s needs. Our approach focuses on preserving dignity, promoting independence and providing compassionate, consistent support.
Our services include:
- Personal care assistance with bathing, dressing and toileting.
- Help with oral hygiene and grooming.
- Meal preparation and nutritional support.
- Mobility support to reduce fall risk.
- Household assistance to keep living spaces clean and safe.
- Companionship to reduce loneliness and encourage engagement.
- Care plans that are reviewed and adapted as needs change.
- Carefully matched, trained carers who respect privacy and preferences.
We offer both visiting care and long term live in care options, so you can choose the level of support that suits your family.
Final thought
Noticing early signs and acting with kindness can make a huge difference to your loved one’s health and quality of life. If you are concerned, you do not have to manage it alone.
Call Live In Solutions on 01245 890336 for a free, no obligation assessment and to discuss how we can support your family.