What is Domiciliary Nursing?
Domiciliary nursing involves delivering medical care and support to patients in their own homes. It is a valuable service that allows individuals to receive the attention they need while remaining in a familiar environment. Domiciliary nurses are highly skilled healthcare professionals who provide a range of services, catering to the specific needs of each patient. Their presence ensures that patients can maintain their independence, improve their quality of life, and receive appropriate medical treatment without the need for hospitalization.
Additionally, domiciliary nursing offers numerous advantages over traditional hospital care. By receiving medical assistance at home, patients experience a greater sense of comfort and emotional well-being. The familiar surroundings of their own homes contribute to a more relaxed and less stressful environment, which can have a positive impact on their overall health. Furthermore, domiciliary nursing promotes personalized care and one-on-one attention, allowing nurses to establish stronger relationships with their patients and gain a deeper understanding of their individual needs.
The duration of care differs, as you might require domiciliary care as short as 30 minutes per week or as much as several hours per week. If in the case that these hours of care are not sufficient for your medical needs, you would need to consider a live-in care option.
Nursing care at home can be received by anyone regardless of their age, and the following are groups of individuals that can receive domiciliary care.
- Individuals who are recuperating from accidents and surgeries.
- Individuals who live with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
- Individuals with end-of-life health conditions
The services provided by domiciliary care are designed to suit both your personal and medical needs.
Why is Domiciliary Care Popular?
Domiciliary care has gained immense popularity in recent years due to several compelling reasons. Firstly, it provides a significant level of convenience and comfort to individuals who require medical care or support. By receiving healthcare services in their own homes, patients can maintain a sense of familiarity and security in their environment, which contributes to their overall well-being. Domiciliary care allows individuals to stay connected with their communities, maintain their daily routines, and enjoy the comforts of home while still receiving the necessary medical attention.
Secondly, domiciliary care promotes personalized and tailored care for each patient. Domiciliary nurses are trained to understand and cater to the unique needs of individuals, ensuring that the care provided is specific to their requirements. This individualized approach allows for a more comprehensive assessment of patients’ health conditions, leading to better treatment outcomes.
- Domiciliary care is always planned around your choices, personal and medical needs. You can decide to have a live-in domiciliary care nurse or move to a nursing home. On any occasion, the utmost care would be provided for you.
- Knowing that there is a community of individuals that need help like you will help you develop a positive mindset towards being taken care of.
- Apart from being your carers, domiciliary care nurses are your companions. And this reassures both you and your family members that you will always be in good hands.
Nursing Care at Home
Nursing care at home provides a vital and compassionate service that allows individuals to receive personalized medical attention in the comfort of their own homes. Domiciliary nurses play a crucial role in delivering this care, ensuring that patients have access to essential healthcare services while remaining in a familiar environment. These dedicated professionals bring their expertise and knowledge directly to the patient’s doorstep, providing a range of services tailored to meet the individual’s unique needs.
With nursing care at home, patients can experience the benefits of personalized attention and continuity of care. Domiciliary nurses develop close relationships with their patients, allowing for a deep understanding of their medical history, preferences, and specific requirements. They administer medications, monitor vital signs, and provide wound care, all while offering emotional support and companionship.
Who Can Provide Domiciliary Care?
To provide domiciliary care the agency has to be Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered, we, Leafcare are CQC certified and thus we can provide domiciliary care. The CQC inspects the services of these agencies and their standards that must meet the quality and safety of domiciliary care.
Domiciliary care agencies provide you with trained carers that can meet your needs anywhere you decide to reside. These domiciliary nurses are trained to give compassion and health care services needed for different health conditions.
The Responsibilities of a Domiciliary Nurse
Domiciliary nurses possess a diverse skill set and are equipped to handle various medical conditions and situations. Their primary responsibility is to assess and monitor the health status of their patients while providing personalized care. Here are some of the key responsibilities of a domiciliary nurse:
On support and care, domiciliary nurses can be on standby for you for hours, depending on your agreement with them. They also serve as a companion, keeping you company even in your lowest moments.
However, you should note that domiciliary care nurses only administer medication prescribed by doctors. They are not trained nurses, and if a need arises for a trained nurse, a professional would be provided for you.
Conclusively, the role of a domiciliary nurse is determined by your needs and health status, which means that their roles are diverse. But here’s a rundown of what domiciliary nurses do.
Initial Assessment and Care Planning
Domiciliary nurses begin by conducting a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s medical condition, including physical, mental, and emotional aspects. They work closely with the patient, their family, and other healthcare professionals to develop an individualized care plan tailored to the patient’s specific needs and goals. This plan serves as a roadmap for providing the necessary care and support.
Medication Management
One crucial aspect of domiciliary nursing is the administration and management of medications. Domiciliary nurses ensure that patients take their prescribed medications correctly and at the appropriate times. They monitor medication effectiveness, address any side effects, and coordinate with doctors and pharmacists to make adjustments as needed. This meticulous medication management helps prevent complications and promotes optimal health outcomes.
Wound Care and Dressing Changes
Domiciliary nurses are trained in wound care and play a crucial role in promoting healing and preventing infections. They provide skilled wound assessment, cleansing, and dressing changes, ensuring that wounds are properly cared for and monitored throughout the healing process. By following best practices and utilizing their expertise, domiciliary nurses contribute to the successful recovery of patients with wounds or injuries.
Chronic Health Management
Many patients receiving domiciliary care have chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or respiratory illnesses. Domiciliary nurses play a significant role in managing these conditions by monitoring vital signs, conducting regular health assessments, and educating patients about self-care techniques. They empower patients to take control of their health, adhere to treatment plans, and make informed lifestyle choices.
Palliative and End-of-Life Care
Domiciliary nurses often provide palliative and end-of-life care to patients who prefer to spend their final days at home surrounded by their loved ones. They offer compassionate support, manage pain and discomfort, provide emotional guidance to patients and their families, and ensure that the patient’s wishes and dignity are respected throughout this challenging time.
Rehabilitation and Therapy
For patients recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions, domiciliary nurses facilitate rehabilitation and therapy programs. They assist with mobility exercises, coordinate with physiotherapists and occupational therapists, and provide ongoing support to help patients regain their independence and improve their overall function and well-being.
How Much Domiciliary Care Cost?
Domiciliary cost does not have a fixed price; however, there are two ways to find domiciliary care: personal funding and local council funding.
You should also note that your personal and medical needs would determine the cost of domiciliary care and the hours of care you require. The time frame includes short domiciliary care visits that last for 30 minutes and 24-hour live-in-care services.
Care Funded By Local Authorities
Domiciliary care can be provided for you by your local area council if you qualify. To know if you are eligible, you would need to carry out a ‘needs assessment’ because it shows the type of care you’ve earned and the amount the council can pay for it.
If you qualify for local area council care, they proceed to organise a care plan for you. The responsibility of your local area council includes selecting the care agency that will look after you and paying for all the services you need.
Privately Funded Care
If your request for local council domiciliary care is not accepted, you can find the service personally by paying as a private user. These personal funds can come from savings and investments and pension.
Benefits of Working as a Domiciliary Care Nurse
As much as individuals who require domiciliary care receive most of the benefits, domiciliary care nurses also enjoy a few benefits.
- Impactful Care: They get the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives
- Building Connections: Unlike the regular 9-5 job, domiciliary nurses move around a lot, make new friends and establish new relationships.
- Enhanced Work-Life Balance: Domiciliary nurses can work flexible hours
- Contribution to the Community: Domiciliary nurses play a crucial role in supporting the community by providing services to individuals who may have limited access to hospitals or clinics
- Professional Satisfaction: Domiciliary nursing offers a high level of job satisfaction as nurses witness the positive outcomes of their care
- Skill Development: Working in a domiciliary setting exposes nurses to various medical conditions and challenges
Why You Should Consider Domiciliary Care
Settling for domiciliary care has several benefits, and here are five reasons you should consider domiciliary care.
Affordability
With an average payment of £32,000 per year, private care accommodation can be expensive. However, domiciliary care reduces the service cost, as you can select the hours that your carer comes to help you.
Limited Distractions
Unlike other forms of care that would require you to move to nursing homes and adapt to a different routine, domiciliary care nurses adapt to your environment. If you prefer to have a live-in domiciliary nurse, they move into your home. This process reduces distractions and allows you to continue with familiar routines.
Companionship
With the time that your domiciliary care nurse spends with you, there’s a lot of time for you to form a bond with them. Their attention and presence will help you get on during difficult times.
Flexibility
Domiciliary care is flexible and can be planned around you and your family’s needs. Domiciliary care nurses provide you with several services, including live-in care and short-time visits.
Independence
Domiciliary care gives you another chance to take back your life by increasing your quality of life and independence. With domiciliary care, you don’t have to be scared of living, as you can take back your life bit by bit.
FAQs
What is the Role of a Domiciliary Nurse?
The role of a domiciliary nurse is to provide care for you in any way you need it. The type of care they provide you ranges between personal care, nursing care, and companionship care.
What are Examples of Domiciliary Care?
Different individuals have different needs, so there are different types of domiciliary care.
- Personal Care: Personal care is for individuals who need help carrying out their daily activities, like bathing, grooming, and moving around.
- Companionship Care: Sometimes, the right companion is what you need. And companionship care can be provided for you if you feel lonely and need someone to talk with.
- Multiple Care Visits: This type of domiciliary care is for you if you need general assistance with preparing meals, paying your bills, housekeeping, and running small errands. With housing support, carers drop by your house for specific hours and help you with any required activity.
- 24-Hour Care: Your carer, in this case, is always available to provide care for you. Although they won’t move into your house, 24-hour carers are on standby whenever you need them.
- Nursing Care: You only need this type of domiciliary care if you are recuperating from illnesses or injuries. Here, nursing care provides needs such as dressing your wounds and administering your medication.
- Live-in-Care: Unlike 24-hour care, the live-in carer would have to move into your house to provide care for you whenever you require it.
