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.”