Visiting care and live-in care both provide support in a person's own home, but they are arranged differently.
The choice should be guided by assessed needs, circumstances and preferences rather than by assuming that one model is suitable for everyone.
What Is Visiting Care?
Visiting care, also called domiciliary care or home care, is provided through agreed visits or support arrangements in the person's home.
The timing and level of support should be discussed with a provider and considered through assessment. Read more about domiciliary care.
What Is Live-in Care?
In a live-in care arrangement, a caregiver lives in the person's home as part of the agreed support arrangement.
Find further information about live-in care and the assessment-led approach to arranging it.
The Main Differences
| Factor | Visiting care | Live-in care |
|---|---|---|
| Care arrangement | Support is provided through agreed visits or periods. | A caregiver lives in the home as part of the agreed arrangement. |
| Presence in the home | The caregiver attends at agreed times. | The caregiver is resident in the home, with agreed working and rest arrangements. |
| Consistency of support | Depends on the agreed visiting arrangement and provider planning. | Can offer a resident-care arrangement, subject to the agreed plan and staffing. |
| Home environment | Requires safe and practical access for visits. | Requires a suitable home environment and appropriate accommodation arrangements. |
| Suitability | May suit needs that can be supported through agreed visits. | May be considered when a resident arrangement better reflects assessed needs and circumstances. |
Which Option Might Be More Appropriate?
Factors to discuss include:
- the person's assessed needs and level of support
- preferred routines and how support may fit around them
- the circumstances of the individual and anybody involved in their care
- whether the home environment is suitable for the proposed arrangement
- the person's choices and communication preferences
A provider should explain what each arrangement involves and avoid presenting either option as universally better.
Can Care Needs Change Over Time?
Yes. Circumstances, routines and support needs can change. Care arrangements may therefore need to be reviewed.
A review provides an opportunity to discuss what is working, identify changes and consider whether the current arrangement remains appropriate.