Self-care resources

Understanding Self-Care

What do we mean by self-care?

Self-care is not the same as no care.


Outside hospitals or care homes, everyone self-cares all of the time but not everyone self-cares optimally.


Medical treatment and the way in which it is delivered can either support or erode the capacity to self-care.

The Department of Health defines self-care as being:
“. . . about individuals taking responsibility for their own health and well-being. This includes: staying fit and healthy, both physically and mentally; taking action to prevent illness and accidents; and the better use of medicines and treatment of minor ailments.”

The term self management is related specifically to living with a long term condition and has been defined as: “The individual's ability to manage the symptoms, treatment, physical and psychosocial consequences and lifestyle changes inherent in living with a long term disorder.”

Source: “Promoting Optimal Self Care” 2005, Department of Health, NHS Report

 

The Core Principles of Self-Care

An understanding of the principles of self-care is vital for everyone involved in supporting people with long term conditions.

The Department of Health defines self care as being:

“. . . about individuals taking responsibility for their own health and well-being. This includes: staying fit and healthy, both physically and mentally; taking action to prevent illness and accidents; and the better use of medicines and treatment of minor ailments.”

 

External Links

  1. Person Centred Care Resources
  2. Self Care Information

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Page last reviewed: 28/10/2022

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