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

Prices for used vehicles and vehicle insurance, communications and personal care were down.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

Only 16% said they regularly helped with more hands-on personal care like bathing and dressing, while 15% said they did this occasionally.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 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

He grinned sometimes at thought of the favorable report the men of Rotil would deliver to their chief,––for the Americano had taken all personal care of the packs and chests of Doña Jocasta!

From The Treasure Trail A Romance of the Land of Gold and Sunshine by Amick, Robert Wesley