Washing, getting dressed, taking a shower: for most people these are everyday things. Until one day they are not, because of age, an illness or after a hospital stay. Personal care at home helps you feel cared for every day, in your own home and at your own pace. In this article you can read what personal care is, who it is for and how to arrange it.
What is personal care?
Personal care is help with the daily physical care that you can no longer manage well yourself, temporarily or permanently. It is care that is close to the body. That is why trust matters so much: you want to know who is coming into your home and how they work.
Examples of personal care include:
- help with washing and showering, or a wash at the sink;
- help with getting dressed and undressed;
- putting on and taking off compression stockings;
- help with using the toilet and continence care;
- hair, mouth and skin care;
- help with eating and drinking;
- help with taking medication, as agreed with the GP and pharmacy.
Who is it for?
Personal care is for anyone who lives at home and needs help with their own care. For example:
- Older people whose body is less cooperative, for example because of stiff joints, reduced balance or tiredness.
- People with a chronic condition, such as rheumatism, COPD, heart failure or the effects of a stroke.
- People who are recovering after surgery or a hospital stay. Care is then often temporary, until you can manage on your own again.
- Family carers who want to hand over part of the care, so they can remain a partner or child rather than only a carer.
Keep doing what you can
Good personal care does not take everything over. The starting point is that you stay as independent as possible. Can you wash your face yourself but not bend down to your feet? Then we help only with that. This keeps you active and in control. In the care plan we agree together what you do yourself and what you get help with.
How is personal care paid for?
In most cases, personal care at home falls under the Health Insurance Act (Zvw) as part of district nursing (wijkverpleging). A district nurse assesses with you what care is needed and sets the indication. A GP referral is not required. You do not pay a deductible (eigen risico) for district nursing.
If someone permanently needs care or supervision throughout the day, the Long-term Care Act (Wlz) may apply. The CIZ assesses this. In many cases you can also choose a personal budget (pgb). If you do not want to wait for an indication, or you want care on top of your funded care, private care is an option.
Not sure which route suits you? Also read our article Applying for home care: how it works, or ask us. We help you with the application free of charge.
How care gets started
- Registration. You call us or fill in the contact form. We respond within 24 hours.
- Intake meeting. A free conversation of about 30 minutes at your home. We discuss your situation, your habits and your wishes. What time do you like to get up? Do you prefer a shower in the morning or the evening? These things matter.
- Care plan. Together we record what care you receive, at what times and who will come.
- Start of care. Your regular carer starts according to the care plan. We regularly review with you whether the care still fits.
What to look for when choosing a care provider
- Familiar faces. Ask whether you will have a small, permanent team. It is more pleasant to be helped by someone you know.
- Times. Does the visit time fit your daily rhythm?
- Availability. Can you reach someone if something changes or if you have questions?
- Cooperation. Does the provider coordinate with your GP, pharmacy and family?
Personal care from RytelZorg
RytelZorg provides personal care at home in Voorburg, Leidschendam, Wassenaar and The Hague. You have a small, permanent team of carers who get to know you and your habits. We work with clear agreements in a personal care plan and can be reached day and night.
Want to know more? See our page on personal care, contact us or call 06 14 97 58 70.