Thanksgiving is often the first time in months that families see a parent in person, and it's a good time to notice how they're managing at home.
If Mom or Dad seems to struggle with bathing, dressing, getting around, or keeping up with daily routines, in-home personal care may be the right next step. Personal care means hands-on help with everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and moving safely around the home.
At BrightStar Care of Gloucester County, personal care is built around your family's schedule, with no daily or weekly minimums, so you can start with just the hours you need and adjust from there.
What Is Personal Care?
Personal care is non-medical, hands-on support with activities of daily living (ADLs), the basic self-care tasks a person does every day. A trained caregiver helps your loved one with these tasks at home, while respecting their privacy, dignity, and independence.
Personal care commonly includes help with:
- Bathing and showering
- Dressing and grooming
- Toileting and incontinence care
- Mobility, transfers, and getting in and out of bed or a chair
- Daily routines like getting ready in the morning or winding down at night
What Signs Should You Look For at Thanksgiving?
Changes that are easy to miss on a phone call are easier to see in person. As you gather this year, keep an eye out for these signs:
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None of these signs alone means something is wrong. But if you notice a few, it's worth starting a conversation.
How Do You Talk to a Parent About Personal Care?
Bringing up help with personal tasks can feel awkward, especially during the holidays. These steps can make the conversation easier:
- Pick a calm moment. Skip the busy dinner table. A quiet walk or a coffee the next morning works better.
- Lead with what you noticed, kindly. Try "I noticed the stairs seemed tough today" instead of "You can't do this anymore."
- Focus on independence. Personal care helps people keep living at home on their own terms.
- Start small. A few hours a week of help with bathing or getting ready can make a real difference.
- Include them in every decision. Your parent should help choose the schedule, the tasks, and the pace.
Can Personal Care Help During the Holidays?
Yes. The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's are busy, and routines often get disrupted. Personal care can help your loved one:
- Get ready for Thanksgiving dinner, family gatherings, or holiday services
- Keep up with bathing and grooming when family schedules get hectic
- Move safely around a home that may be busier or more cluttered than usual
- Stay on a steady daily routine through the holiday rush
It can also give family members peace of mind, especially adult children who live out of town and head home after the holiday weekend.
Do You Have to Commit to a Minimum Number of Hours?
Not with BrightStar Care of Gloucester County. We have no daily or weekly minimums. That flexibility matters because personal care needs are different for every family.
Some people only need help with a morning shower a few days a week. Others need more regular support. You choose what fits, and you can adjust as needs change.
How Is Personal Care Different From Skilled Nursing?
Skilled nursing is medical care provided by a licensed nurse, such as wound care or medication administration. Personal care is non-medical and focuses on everyday tasks.
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Not sure which one your loved one needs? Our team can talk through the options with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What tasks are included in personal care?
A: Personal care includes hands-on help with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, mobility, and daily routines. It's non-medical support that helps people stay safe and comfortable at home.
Q: How do I know if my parent needs personal care?
A: Common signs include changes in hygiene, trouble with stairs or getting up from a chair, wearing the same clothes often, or seeming worn out by everyday routines. If you notice a few of these, talking with a care provider can help you decide.
Q: Is there a minimum number of hours for personal care?
A: At BrightStar Care of Gloucester County, there are no daily or weekly minimums. You can schedule the hours you need and adjust them as needs change.
Q: Can personal care start before the holidays?
A: Yes. Some families set up support before Thanksgiving so a loved one has help getting ready for gatherings, and others reach out after the holiday visit. Call our office to talk about timing and next steps.
Q: Is personal care the same as skilled nursing?
A: No. Personal care is non-medical help with daily tasks, and skilled nursing is medical care provided by a licensed nurse. Some people need one, and some need both.
Where Can Families in Gloucester County Get Personal Care?
BrightStar Care of Gloucester County provides in-home personal care across the area, including Woodbury, Woodbury Heights, Westville, Glassboro, Pitman, Sewell, Mullica Hill, Swedesboro, Mantua, Williamstown, Blackwood, and nearby communities.
You don't have to figure out the next step alone. Call us or contact us online to talk about a personal care plan that fits your family.