Personal care can be provided by a family member or by a professional caregiver. Caregivers who are familiar with assisting with personal care are called home health aides, home health assistants, or certified nursing assistants (CNAs). In addition to bathing and grooming, a professional can also help with other aspects of daily life such as overseeing dietary considerations at mealtime, encouraging daily exercises, and reminding a person to take their medication.

For many older people, having a regular visitor to assist them with their personal care can be a big help in combating feelings of loneliness. A visit can involve everything from catching up over a cup of tea or cappuccino to attending social events such as the local men’s shed or women’s group. The regular interaction of a trusted carer can also mean that a person is less likely to neglect their personal hygiene or risk falling.

The level of domestic and personal care that a person requires will vary from case to case. Some people will only require a few hours of visiting care a week, while others may need home care to be available at all times of day and night. If a person's care needs are more significant, they can choose to move into a personal care community where their essential care will be managed for them and they can live independently with peace of mind.

In a personal care community, you'll be in close proximity to other residents who can be there to support you if you need it. Caregivers will be on hand to help you with personal care, provide transportation services to popular local destinations, and offer a range of other personalised assistance to ensure your safety and wellbeing.

While it can be tempting for family members to step in and help with a loved one's personal care needs, this can often place a strain on their physical and emotional wellbeing. In addition, they can also find it difficult to balance the needs of their own children and household while demonstrating that a parent's needs are met. This can lead to resentment on both sides and an imbalance in the relationship