The Bookcase

Personal Care

Supporting personal care can enhance comfort, dignity, and independence. Our guides cover essential topics like incontinence care, dental hygiene, nutrition, and accessing care services—helping you ensure your loved one’s daily needs are met with respect and compassion.

Illustration of the back of the heads of a woman with an arm round an older man's shoulders

Supporting an older adult with their personal care can involve helping out with essential self care tasks such as personal hygiene, rest and nutrition and preventing any new problems or complications such as incontinence or pressure sores.

Please also refer to our condition-specific content in the bookcase.

Our content is designed to arm you with information to help you find support to help and safeguard those you love.

Explore Personal Care Content

Our guides are not a substitute for medical advice – always seek professional help. Remember, professionals will not share information about a patient unless they have been permitted to do so.

How this information can help you

Healthy eating in later life

Eating well in later life is essential to maintain good health and keep the body working normally. A balanced diet will provide enough nutrients, such as calories, protein and vitamins, that are needed to maintain strength and health. An inadequate diet can lead to dangerous deficiencies, technically defined as malnutrition. Some conditions require specific diets.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Consider frequently asked questions about personal and preventive care when caring for an elderly loved one.

Read our FAQs

Everyday Hygiene and Health

By supporting your elderly loved ones to maintain their everyday health and hygiene, you can help to protect them and their wellbeing.

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Understanding and supporting continence concerns

Continence concerns are more common in older adults and can relate to the bladder or bowel. Incontinence is a recognised and significant source of distress for those affected and those involved in their care. However, you do not need to struggle in silence. Free NHS services can help to assess, treat and contain the problem.

Helping with Personal Care Frequently Asked Questions

Discover our commonly asked questions about what to know when caring for a loved one.

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Dementia can contribute to poor oral health in several ways. Memory loss may cause your loved one to forget their oral hygiene routines, and communication challenges can result in untreated dental problems if they struggle to express discomfort. Physical impairments associated with dementia, such as reduced motor skills, can also make brushing, flossing, or rinsing difficult.

These essential activities are the various tasks required to self care and stay well such as eating, bathing, moving and dressing. Being able to perform these functions is essential for independent living. Difficulty performing these tasks can mean dependence on others for care and support.

Although many adults are reluctant to seek help, NHS continence services are free to access and can help assess and treat bladder or bowel problems. These services can also prescribe suitable containment products which can otherwise be expensive to buy.

Free eBook: Planning for an Emergency

Sadly, many Carents know that later life can be challenging for older adults living with ongoing health problems, often leading to physical, financial, or emotional difficulties.

By planning ahead, you can greatly reduce the risks and dangers of these vulnerable situations.

Simply complete the form and the eBook will be sent to you via email.

Did you find this information helpful? Let us know what you think or pass on some advice to other carents by emailing us at hello@thecarentsroom.com

Last updated: 10/02/2025