What it means
The everyday care that keeps a person clean, comfortable and dignified, part of the activities of daily livingak-TIV-ih-teez uv DAY-lee LIV-ingThe basic self-care tasks of everyday life, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and moving about.Full entry . It includes bathing, oral care, hair and nail care, shaving, dressing and help with toileting. For a stable client it is routine work that can be delegated to UAPyou-ay-pee (said as letters)Unlicensed assistive personnel: trained workers without a nursing license, such as nursing assistants, who help with client care.Full entry .
For the nurse
Encourage the client to do as much as they can for themselves, offer choices, and keep them covered and warm. Personal care is a good time to look at the skin and notice changes.
Related terms
UAP
Unlicensed assistive personnel: trained workers without a nursing license, such as nursing assistants, who help with client care.
activities of daily living
The basic self-care tasks of everyday life, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and moving about.
hygiene
Care of the body to keep it clean and healthy, such as bathing, mouth care, hair and nail care.
self-care
The things people do for themselves to look after their own health and daily needs.