What Is Domiciliary Care?
Domiciliary care means personal and practical support delivered in your own home.
It’s designed for people who want to stay independent but need help with daily tasks.
Carers visit at agreed times to provide assistance such as:
- Washing, dressing, and grooming
- Preparing meals and supporting nutrition
- Medication reminders
- Light cleaning and laundry
- Mobility help and companionship
In the UK, domiciliary care is one of the fastest-growing care options because it keeps people in their familiar surroundings while ensuring safety and comfort.
Learn about other types of home care in our Home Care in the UK: Complete Guide for Families
Who Can Receive Domiciliary Care?
Domiciliary care suits anyone who needs support to live safely at home, including:
- Older adults with reduced mobility
- People recovering from illness or surgery
- Individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions
- Those needing companionship or emotional support
It can be arranged for a few hours a week or several visits per day, depending on need.
Difference Between Home Care and Domiciliary Care
The terms home care and domiciliary care are often used interchangeably in the UK.
However, there’s a slight distinction in usage:
| Home Care | Domiciliary Care |
|---|---|
| Broad term covering all types of care at home | Specifically refers to care visits at home (not live-in) |
| Includes live-in, respite, and specialist care | Focuses on personal and practical support |
So, domiciliary care is a type of home care — typically scheduled visits rather than full-time presence.
Types of Domiciliary Care Services
- Personal Care – Help with washing, dressing, toileting, and grooming.
- Medication Support – Reminders, supervision, and administration assistance.
- Meal Preparation – Cooking or assisting with eating.
- Household Tasks – Cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping.
- Companionship – Social visits to reduce loneliness and isolation.
- Specialist Support – Care for dementia, Parkinson’s, or palliative needs.
Each plan is tailored around the individual’s health and lifestyle requirements.
Benefits of Domiciliary Care
- You stay in your own home.
- Care schedules are flexible and personalised.
- One-to-one attention improves quality of life.
- Families can stay involved in day-to-day support.
- Cost-effective compared to residential care homes.
For many families, domiciliary care provides a balance between independence and professional care.
How to Arrange Domiciliary Care in the UK
- Get a care needs assessment
Contact your local council to assess the level of support required.
→ Request a needs assessment on NHS.uk - Decide how care will be managed
- Local authority-arranged care (if you qualify for support)
- Self-funded care through private agencies
- Research providers
- Search the Care Quality Commission (CQC) database for registered domiciliary agencies.
- Read inspection ratings and reviews.
- Agree on a care plan
Outline daily tasks, timings, costs, and expectations. - Monitor and review
Review care regularly to ensure quality and comfort.
Cost of Domiciliary Care in the UK
The average cost of domiciliary care ranges from £15 to £30 per hour, depending on region, duration, and care type.
Funding options include:
- Local authority funding (means-tested)
- Personal budgets or direct payments
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (for medical needs)
- Private or family funding
Regulation and Standards
All domiciliary care agencies in England must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
CQC inspects agencies on five standards:
- Safety
- Effectiveness
- Care quality
- Responsiveness
- Leadership
Agencies rated “Good” or “Outstanding” show strong compliance and reliability.
Families can check inspection reports before signing any contract.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Domiciliary Care Agency
- Are you CQC registered?
- What training do your carers receive?
- How do you match carers to clients?
- What happens if a carer is unavailable?
- How do you handle complaints?
Document all responses before making your decision.
Summary
Domiciliary care allows your loved one to stay in familiar surroundings while receiving tailored support.
It offers flexibility, affordability, and continuity of care.
If you’re exploring options, contact Dritewyse Care and Support LTD, we are one of the best in the business.