personal care

American  

noun

1. assistance in dressing, grooming, etc., provided to elderly, disabled, or other persons who are unable to care for themselves.

2. the act or process of dressing or grooming oneself.

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personal care British  

noun

1. help given to elderly or infirm people with essential everyday activities such as washing, dressing, and meals

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Other Word Forms

• personal-care adjective

Etymology

Origin of personal care

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Recalling his early days in the city, he said his budget for food and personal care items, like shampoo, was $30 a week.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

The standard way to hire these aides — who provide personal care, prepare meals and monitor health, among other things — is through home-care agencies.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

The approach is unusual, with peers such as Procter & Gamble, Kraft Heinz and Nestlé mostly focusing on either personal care or food but not both.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

The think tank found higher funding relative to England was the main factor allowing Scotland to have more generous public services, including smaller class sizes and free personal care services.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

The officer worked by the side of his men in the grime and dirt, and at all times made the comfort of the jackies his personal care.

From The Battleship Boys' First Step Upward or, Winning Their Grades as Petty Officers by Patchin, Frank Gee