Domiciliary care can help a person receive agreed care or support while continuing to live in their own home. Understanding what the term means is a useful first step when comparing care options.
The right arrangement depends on the person's needs, preferences and circumstances. It should be discussed carefully rather than assumed from a general description.
What Does Domiciliary Care Mean?
Domiciliary care is care or support provided to somebody in their own home. It is sometimes also referred to as home care or visiting care.
The arrangement is agreed with a care provider and should reflect the individual's circumstances. The frequency, timing and level of support are matters to discuss as part of an appropriate assessment.
Why Do People Consider Care at Home?
People may consider care at home because it can allow support to be arranged around an established home life. Potential reasons include:
- remaining in familiar surroundings
- maintaining valued routines where possible
- having choices discussed and respected
- supporting independence in ways that are appropriate for the individual
- considering support according to personal circumstances rather than a standard package
Is Domiciliary Care the Same for Everyone?
No. Support requirements vary from person to person and may also change over time.
An appropriate arrangement should be based on individual circumstances and assessment. A provider should discuss needs, preferences, communication and practical considerations before care begins.
Domiciliary Care vs Live-in Care
Domiciliary or visiting care involves support provided through agreed visits or arrangements. A caregiver does not live permanently in the person's home as part of this model.
With live-in care, a caregiver lives within the person's home as part of an agreed care arrangement. Live-in care should not be understood as continuous waking 24-hour care; the actual arrangement must be discussed and assessed.
Neither option is automatically better. The relevant question is which arrangement may suit the person's assessed needs, routines, home environment and preferences.
How Do You Start Exploring Domiciliary Care?
- 1
Consider what support may be needed now and what is most important to the person.
- 2
Speak to a care provider and explain the general circumstances.
- 3
Discuss preferences, routines, communication and practical considerations.
- 4
Complete an appropriate assessment with the provider.
- 5
Agree a suitable arrangement before care begins.
You can read more about Empowerment Living's domiciliary care service or contact the team for an initial conversation.