What Is Personal Care

As part of a Home Care Package, personal care services are designed to assist individuals with daily tasks, self-care, and personal hygiene. The goal of this form of specialised assistance is for the care recipient to live independently in the comfort of their own home.

If you're wondering, "What is personal care?" and if it’s the right solution for you or your loved one, this article will provide you with all the necessary details to make an informed decision. 

What Are Personal Care Services?

Personal care services (PCS) refer to a range of specialised services for senior citizens and individuals with special needs and health conditions. These services can include various types of support, such as bathing, medication reminders, dressing, grooming, and companionship.

They are usually included in Home Care Packages, which are government-funded programs that provide personalised support to people with special needs. Caregivers can provide personal care services in the patient's home, a nursing home, an assisted living facility, or a hospital.

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Personal care comes with many benefits for both the patient and their family members. Healthcare professionals can help patients maintain their independence, safety, and overall well-being. In addition to meeting the patient's personal care needs, their family members can rest assured knowing their loved one is in good hands.

But what is personal care in aged care? It can be anything the elderly individual needs assistance with, from showering and dressing to feeding and continence management.

PCS can be provided by the following healthcare professionals:

1. Registered nurses
2. Home Care Package providers
3. Trained caregivers
4. Medical practitioners

What Types of Personal Care Services Are Available?

What is included in personal care depends on the Home Care Package you select. In most cases, they comprise assistance with everyday activities and everything a person needs to live a normal life.

Here are some personal care services examples:

• Personal hygiene
• Meal preparation and feeding
• Assistance with daily tasks
• Medication reminders
• Continence care
• Mobility assistance

Personal care can be and usually is tailored to the individual needs of the patient. The aim is to help the patient maintain a healthy level of self-sufficiency.

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When it comes to personal hygiene, the services vary depending on the Home Care Package, the patient's current health situation, and their needs and preferences. Some of the most common types of personal hygiene services include:

• Bathing/showering
• Grooming
• Assistance with personal appearance
• Dressing
• Toileting
• Applying make-up

Who Is Eligible for Personal Care?

People who receive personal care through Home Care Packages typically can't care for themselves due to age, illness, physical disability, or other conditions. Applying for a Home Care Package is a lengthy process, which includes a waiting period. But before you are even put on the waiting list, you must be deemed eligible.

To be eligible for Home Care Package funding, you need to be one of the following:

1. At least 65 years old
2. Between 16 and 64 years old, with a physical or mental condition that prevents you from performing everyday tasks
3. Under 16 years old, with a disability

The exact requirements for eligibility depend on the Home Care Provider you choose. If you want to check if you are eligible for PCS, you can:

• Use an eligibility checker
• Contact My Aged Care
• Book a free in-person consultation

Once you find out you are eligible, you can apply for a Home Care Package provider, who will help you come up with a home care plan that meets all your needs.

How Much Does Personal Care Cost in Australia?

Determining the exact price of personal care is challenging because it can depend on many factors. In Australia, Home Care Packages are funded by the government. In other words, the individual can use the funding they receive to purchase a variety of services.

There are four Home Care Package levels you can be assigned to, ranging from basic care needs to more complex assistance requirements. The Home Care Package level you are assigned to will determine how much funding you will receive. That being said, Home Care Package fees can also depend on your current health and your source of income.

Unlike other providers, Haisey Home Care has no hidden fees, daily charges, or exit fees. We also have a low 27% flat rate on the total price while offering more hours of care per week.

Get the Support You Need

Personal care plays an essential role in supporting people who need personalised assistance. Anyone who can’t complete everyday tasks, whether it's due to age or a debilitating condition, can benefit from personal care. Instead of struggling with daily challenges, let healthcare providers assist you while offering companionship and encouragement.

Haisey Home Care aims to allow its clients to have independence and live happy, fulfilling lives. We offer a wide selection of care services tailored to meet the unique needs of the patient. If you want to know more about our services, don't hesitate to contact us.