What Is Domiciliary Care and Domiciliary Care Services

What is Domiciliary Care?

Domiciliary care, also known as home care, is a service that provides ongoing support and assistance to people in their own homes. This type of live-in care is designed to help people maintain their independence and quality of life while receiving the necessary support for their daily activities.

Domiciliary care services in the UK are designed to enhance the quality of life for people by providing personalised care in the comfort of their homes. This form of care is particularly vital given the UK’s ageing population and the increasing pressure on NHS services and hospital beds. According to UK domiciliary care statistics for 2024, nearly one million people across the UK receive domiciliary care, with over 800,000 residing in England.

The industry employs approximately 665,000 people and contributes significantly to the economy, adding £55.7 billion annually. By promoting greater independence, reducing the risk of infections, and offering cost-effective, flexible care plans, domiciliary care ensures that people can maintain their autonomy and well-being in familiar surroundings.

Types of Domiciliary Care Services

Domiciliary care is a type of care which allows people to receive care in the comfort of their own home. They will receive regular visits from a fully trained worker who can support them in every aspect of their life, from personal care to household chores and meal preparation.

Each service aims to improve people’s quality of life and to make daily tasks easier and safer for the care recipients. Domiciliary care services include:

Personal care such as bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, grooming, mobility support
Household chores like cooking, laundry, cleaning
Health and medical support services, such as administering medication and intermittent nursing care
Specialist and personalised care for dementia, end-of-life care, and palliative care
Support with gardening, shopping and other activities and hobbies

What is an Example of Domiciliary Care?

When we talk about providing the right home care, we are talking about an example of expert care that highlights the quality and positive outcomes for the people who receive it. Having a responsible and compassionate domiciliary carer can reflect the importance of having a dedicated and professional team in providing the highest quality domiciliary care.

Another excellent example of an expert domiciliary care provision is offering personalised in-home care services to create a comfortable environment in one’s home. Domiciliary carers who prioritise the well-being of the people they serve contribute to a positive experience and showcase the significance of a supportive and caring organisational culture in delivering expert domiciliary care.

⇒ Read more about What Does A Domiciliary Nurse Do?

Here are some examples of daily tasks that domiciliary caregivers can support you with:

Preparing meals (cooking)
General housekeeping – such as cleaning and doing laundry
Bathing and personal care
Administering and overseeing medication (helping with medication)
Dressing
Shopping
Personal hygiene
Brushing your hair
Gardening

Who is Domiciliary Care For?

Imagine a world where the comfort of home is the backdrop for receiving care that impacts people’s well-being and quality of life. Domiciliary care, or home care, is a lifeline for many, offering personalised support in the familiar environment and surroundings of one’s own home. But who exactly benefits from this type of care? The answer is as diverse as the people it serves. From the elderly experiencing age-related challenges to veterans battling multiple health issues, domiciliary care is a versatile solution and tailored support to meet a wide range of needs.

Population requiring domiciliary care:

Older and Aging Population – As people grow older, they frequently experience declining health and disabilities or require assistance recovering from illnesses. This type of care offers the vital support they need to retain their independence and quality of life while remaining in the familiarity and comfort of their homes.
People with Long-Term Medical Issues – People with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease need continuous medical support and help with everyday tasks. Domiciliary care provides a personalised approach to managing these ongoing needs, ensuring people receive steady and tailored care.
People Requiring Hospital Discharge Care – Domiciliary care proves invaluable for people requiring support after their discharge from the hospital. This service helps facilitate a seamless transition from hospital to home, providing ongoing medical and personal care to assist their recovery.
People with Disabilities – Providing care at home is vital for people with disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, behavioural conditions, epilepsy, or traumatic brain injury. They benefit from long-term care services, often best delivered in a domiciliary setting.
Veterans – Domiciliary care offers substantial benefits to veterans, particularly those facing economic hardship or dealing with severe health conditions, mental health needs, addiction, or psychosocial challenges. This care also extends to veterans who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes, offering them a stable and supportive environment.

The Difference Between Domiciliary Care and a Residential Home

Knowing the differences between domiciliary and residential care allows people to make informed decisions about the best care options for those requiring one.

There are a couple vital differences between domiciliary care and residential care:

Location of Care Provision

The primary distinction between domiciliary care and residential care lies in the setting where the care is administered. Domiciliary care is provided in a person’s own home, enabling them to stay in their familiar surroundings while receiving the required support. On the other hand, residential care entails people residing full-time in a dedicated facility, such as a care home or nursing home, specifically designed to offer care.

Level of Support

Another notable distinction between domiciliary care and residential care is the level of support provided. Residential care delivers round-the-clock personal care and comprehensive support for people needing help with daily tasks such as dressing, washing, bathing, or eating, though without nursing care. This form of care is particularly well-suited to those who need more intensive support and supervision or require complex care at home.

While, domiciliary care offers flexibility in the level of support, ranging from brief care visits to full-time, 24-hour live-in care. Whether part-time or full-time, this type of support is tailored to the person’s requirements and can include support with personal care, medication management, household chores, and social engagement. This enables people to retain their independence while receiving the necessary support.

Personalised care plans and a More Independent life

Domiciliary care is often preferred because it provides personalised care plans tailored to a person’s specific needs and preferences. This approach enables them to remain in their homes, surrounded by cherished memories and belongings, which can significantly improve their quality of life and personal independence. Additionally, the bespoke nature of domiciliary care allows domiciliary care workers to offer emotional support and companionship, which helps to alleviate feelings of isolation.

In contrast, residential care necessitates people moving from their homes to a facility where they receive round-the-clock care. Although this setting offers a high level of support, adapting to a new environment and leaving behind familiar surroundings can be difficult for many people.

Suitability for Different Needs

Domiciliary care services are an excellent choice for people who are happy and safe to be alone but need help with specific tasks. It allows people to retain their independence and remain in their homes while receiving the support they need.

On the other hand, residential care is more suitable for those requiring more advanced support that family or community caregivers cannot provide. It is particularly ideal for people with limited mobility, early-onset dementia, or other low-level care needs that demand ongoing supervision and support.

⇒ Read more about the Importance and Benefits of Domiciliary Care.

Why Choose Domiciliary Care Over a Care Home?

Choosing the right type of care for yourself or a loved one is a significant decision that impacts quality of life, independence, and overall well-being. Let’s explore the reasons why domiciliary care, or home care, is often preferred over residential care homes.

Main Reasons to Choose Domiciliary Care over a Care Home:

Comfort and Familiarity – Domiciliary care allows people to receive support in the comfort of their homes. This familiar setting offers a sense of stability and reassurance, which is especially advantageous for those with conditions such as dementia, where environmental changes can cause confusion and anxiety.
Personalised and Tailored Care – Domiciliary care provides tailored care plans to meet each person’s needs and preferences. This personalised approach ensures that the care delivered is precisely what the person requires, enhancing their well-being and comfort. Furthermore, the person-centred nature of care fosters a stronger connection and greater understanding between the caregiver and the care recipient, thereby improving the overall quality of care.
Independence and Control – It supports independence by allowing people to remain in their homes. This setup enables them to manage their daily routines—like mealtimes, bedtimes, personal hygiene, and social activities—thereby significantly boosting their sense of empowerment and autonomy.
Cost-Effectiveness – Domiciliary care is often more cost-effective than residential care homes. Families benefit from paying solely for the required care services, which can lead to considerable savings. This financial flexibility is especially advantageous for those who might struggle with the higher expenses of residential care facilities.
Privacy and Dignity – A key benefit of domiciliary care is that it upholds the privacy and dignity of those receiving care. People can keep their personal space and routines intact by staying in their homes, which is vital for their self-esteem and overall well-being.
Closeness to Family and Community – Opting for domiciliary care ensures that people can stay near their family and community, which is crucial for preserving social connections and support networks. This closeness allows family members to play a more active role in the care, even from afar, thanks to real-time monitoring and communication facilitated by care providers. Connecting with friends, neighbours, and community activities can significantly boost mental and emotional well-being.

Quality Domiciliary Care with Leaf Complex Care

Leaf Complex Care delivers personalised support primarily for autistic people and those with a learning disability, focusing on meeting each person’s unique needs and preferences. Their services are grounded in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) practices, with support workers receiving comprehensive training to ensure high-quality, person-centred care.

We offer various services, including social care and domiciliary care, such as dementia care. Additionally, we provide round-the-clock care, which covers meal preparation, personal care, emotional support, companionship, and help with household chores, among other tasks. Our support ensures that every facet of a person’s care requirements is thoroughly addressed.

Integrated and Holistic Care

Leaf Complex Care’s in-house therapy team comprises specialists in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), Speech and Language Therapists, and Occupational Therapists. This integrated model ensures comprehensive support by offering a holistic approach to care, addressing people’s physical and emotional needs.

Our support workers encourage improved well-being by enabling people to make their own choices regarding care and support, with family involvement. Through years of consistent work, we know this approach enhances their quality of life by allowing them to maintain control over their daily activities and routines.