What is domiciliary care?
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Types of Care
What does domiciliary care mean?
Domiciliary care is a broad term for the professional care services provided to people within the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. The word “domiciliary” comes from “domicile”, which means “home”. It’s almost exclusively used in the social care world to describe a broad range of care types that take place in a person’s own home, rather than in a residential care facility.
The primary goal of domiciliary care is to empower individuals to live independently for as long as possible, while ensuring their safety, well-being, and quality of life are maintained. This guide will help you understand what domiciliary care is, what a domiciliary carer can do, and how it might be the right option for your loved one.
What are the benefits of domiciliary care?
For many, choosing domiciliary care is the preferred option over moving into a residential care home. This decision offers a range of significant benefits:
Maintaining quality of life and familiarity
Receiving care at home allows your loved one to remain in a familiar and cherished environment, surrounded by their own belongings, pets, and memories. They can maintain their daily routines, stay connected with their local community, and see friends and family on their own terms. This continuity is especially beneficial for those with conditions like dementia, who thrive on routine and stability.
Flexible and personalised support
Unlike the fixed schedules of a residential home, domiciliary care is completely tailored to your loved one’s needs. You can choose the level of care required, from a few hours each week to multiple daily visits. As their needs change over time, so can your care plan. This one-on-one attention ensures you receive the exact support they need, when they need it.
Emotional support and companionship
Domiciliary carers provide more than just practical support; they offer a source of regular companionship and emotional support. This can be invaluable in combating loneliness and isolation, a common issue for many older people. The consistent presence of a friendly, trusted carer can significantly improve an individual’s sense of well-being and security.
Financial benefits
For many, domiciliary care is a more cost-effective option than a residential care home, particularly if your loved one does not require round-the-clock supervision. They only pay for the specific services and time they need, avoiding the fixed, all-inclusive fees associated with care homes. This can often mean they get more personalised one-to-one care for their money.
Who is domiciliary care for?
Domiciliary care is a flexible solution suitable for a wide variety of people, including:
- The elderly or frail: Individuals who are beginning to find daily tasks challenging due to age-related frailty or mobility issues.
- People with progressive health conditions: Those living with conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis who require ongoing support to manage their symptoms.
- Individuals recovering from an illness or surgery: A temporary care solution for people who need a helping hand to regain their independence while they recuperate.
- Family caregivers needing respite: Provides a much-needed break for a family member who may be struggling with the demands of caring for a loved one.
- Those in need of palliative care: Enables a person with a terminal illness to receive end-of-life care in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by loved ones.
What does a domiciliary carer do?
A domiciliary carer’s main role is to provide compassionate, person-centered support that makes everyday life easier and safer. The specific duties of a domiciliary carer are tailored to the individual’s unique needs, but common responsibilities include:
- Personal care: Providing assistance with daily routines such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
- Medication management: Offering reminders and support to ensure medication is taken correctly and on time.
- Meal preparation: Helping to plan, prepare, and cook nutritious meals, as well as providing support during mealtimes.
- Household tasks: Assisting with light housekeeping, including vacuuming, doing laundry, tidying up, and keeping the home clean and safe.
- Companionship: Offering emotional support and social interaction through a friendly presence, conversation, and assistance with hobbies and outings.
- Running errands: Helping with grocery shopping, collecting prescriptions, and attending appointments.
- Mobility support: Providing a steady hand and assistance with moving around the house, getting in and out of bed, and using mobility aids.
- Pet care: Feeding, exercising and cleaning up after a dog or cat.
What is the difference between domiciliary care and home care?
The terms domiciliary care and home care can be a source of confusion because they are often used interchangeably. However, they are generally used to describe different levels of support.
- Domiciliary care is often used to refer to visiting or hourly care and primarily focuses on practical, non-medical assistance. This includes tasks such as housekeeping, preparing meals, and providing companionship. Its main purpose is to support a person’s general well-being, comfort, and independence with everyday tasks.
- Home care is a broader term that encompasses all types of professional support provided in a person’s home. This can include the practical support of domiciliary care, but it also extends to a wider range of services, such as complex medical care, end-of-life care, and rehabilitation.
How can I arrange domiciliary care with Elder?
Arranging domiciliary care with Elder involves a clear and supportive process, typically completed in three simple steps:
1. Share your care request
Tell us your care requirements using our request form, including the type of care you’re looking for, any specialist skills you need, and what daily life looks like.
2. Select your carer
You’ll start receiving profiles of suitable self-employed carers within 24 hours. Chat to them online or arrange a phone or video call, before choosing who you like best.
3. Manage care
Once your agreement with your carer begins, use your MyElder account to chat with them and the Elder team, manage your schedule and care information, and find respite cover if you need it.
FAQs
A domiciliary care service provides professional assistance to people in their own homes. This includes a wide range of support, from help with personal care and household tasks to medication reminders and companionship.
Yes, domiciliary care can often be a more cost-effective option than residential care, as you only pay for the specific care hours your loved one needs, without the fixed costs of a care home.
While social care in the UK is not free, there are a number of funding options available:
- Local authority care funding: Ask your adult social care services for a care needs assessment. If your loved one has qualifying care needs, they’ll follow this up with a financial assessment to work out how much funding they’re eligible for.
- Releasing money from your home: A home reversion company, life-time mortgage, or equity release scheme can free up funds for care without the need to sell your loved one’s home. It’s vital to seek financial advice before taking out one of these products as they’re complex and can have an impact on inheritance.
If you’d like to learn more about the different ways to fund care, read our guide to funding options. We’ve also created a free care funding calculator – answer some questions on your financial situation and personal circumstances and you’ll get recommendations on where to apply for financial support.
The key difference between domiciliary care and residential care is location: domiciliary care brings the support to the individual’s home, while residential care involves moving into a dedicated care establishment.
