Understanding Personal Care Options In Retirement Villages

When looking at retirement villages, you will notice some do not offer any form of personal care to residents, while others can tailor a package of care to suit your individual needs. When you start to require personal care, you may struggle to talk about your needs with strangers, so having an understanding of what retirement villages can provide may make it easier for you to begin making your initial inquiries. Here's an overview of three types of personal care available from retirement villages offering a supported living service:

Foot Care

As you age it may become difficult to reach down and cut your toenails or care for cuts and blisters. If you have diabetes, you may experience neuropathy, which can cause nerve damage and lead to you developing ulcers and infections. Care staff can help you maintain your foot health by checking them over regularly and keeping your nails trimmed. If you do develop a sore or infection, they can clean and dress the wound and ensure you access appropriate medical care, if required.

Bathing And Dressing

Whether you require assistance getting in and out of the bath or shower, need help cleaning your body, or simply want someone present in case you slip or fall, bathing support can be provided as part of your personal care plan. Care staff can also help you get dressed and advise you on mobility aids that may help you retain more of your independence when dressing, such as a dressing stick to help you get your arms into jackets or pull your socks up, and a buttoner to help those with limited dexterity fasten their own buttons or zips.

Toileting

Personal care staff can help you get to and use a toilet or commode. Whether you need help cleaning yourself, keeping your balance or dealing with incontinence, you only need to mention it during your initial care plan meeting. If you have a medical device, such as a urinary catheter or stoma bag, care staff can ensure your bag is changed regularly and the skin around your stoma is kept clean and dry to prevent infection. Toileting needs is often a topic that's difficult to discuss, but care staff come into contact with these types of tasks every day, so try not to worry about discussing what you need help with, even if you feel a little awkward.

These are just some examples of personal care you may be able to access when living in a retirement village. When selecting your retirement accommodation, consider how long you want to stay there and how your needs may change as you age.