The term signifies assistance primarily with activities of daily living (ADLs). These activities typically include bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring (moving from one place to another, such as from a bed to a chair). Such support aims to maintain an individual’s comfort and safety, but it does not usually involve medical treatment or skilled nursing services. For instance, aiding someone with preparing meals or reminding them to take medication, when no specialized medical knowledge is required, falls under this type of care.
The significance of this type of support lies in enabling individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or age-related limitations to remain as independent as possible. By addressing their basic needs, it reduces reliance on more intensive and costly medical interventions. Historically, this level of assistance was predominantly provided within family structures. However, shifts in demographics and increased life expectancies have led to a growing demand for formal care services outside the home, reflecting its essential role in contemporary society.
