Maintaining personal care
Do you feel that personal care is becoming increasingly difficult? Perhaps you can still manage brushing your teeth, shaving, doing your hair or skincare. But it takes more energy than it used to. Or you find yourself skipping things because the day already feels full enough. Personal care is about more than just being clean and well-groomed. It’s also about how you feel – about self-confidence, routine and being in control of your day. If you’re finding this harder to manage, it can be upsetting or saddening. Especially if you notice that you’re becoming more dependent on others or can no longer give yourself the attention you’re used to.
What do you notice?
Difficulties with personal care can manifest themselves in many ways. Sometimes it involves practical tasks. Sometimes it is mainly a question of energy, motivation or keeping track of things.
You may, for example, notice that:
- Brushing your teeth, shaving or doing your hair takes a lot of energy;
- you delay or skip your treatment;
- you find it difficult to stand for long periods at the washbasin;
- you find it harder to carry out small tasks with your hands;
- you are unable to handle or open your belongings properly;
- you experience pain when reaching, bending or turning;
- you pay less attention to your appearance;
- if you feel uncertain about your care.
Sometimes feelings of shame arise. For example, because you’re afraid that others might notice something. This can mean you’re less likely to have visitors or less keen to go out.
