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Care types & settings

personal care

Hands-on help with bathing, dressing, toileting, and other activities of daily living.

  • Glossary

These definitions are plain-language summaries for orientation — not legal or clinical advice. Program rules, eligibility, and rates change. Confirm details on the official sources linked below or on the related Knowledge Hub guides before making decisions.

Definition

In senior care, Personal care refers to hands-on help with bathing, dressing, toileting, and other activities of daily living.

Families weigh this option against other settings — staying at home with aides, adult day programs, assisted living, or skilled nursing — based on safety, medical needs, social connection, and budget.

In California, licensing and terminology for residential settings (RCFE, board and care, memory care) differ from other states. Confirm the facility type on Community Care Licensing records before signing a contract.