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Live-In vs Domiciliary Care: Which Is Right for You?

When someone you love starts needing extra support at home, the first big question is often what kind of care will suit them best.

Two of the most likely care options you’ll hear about are live-in care and domiciliary care. Both allow people to remain in their own homes and get the professional help they need. The main difference is how the care is delivered and the lifestyle each approach supports.

What is domiciliary care?

Domiciliary care, often called home care, means a carer visits your home at pre-planned times during the day. Each visit might last half an hour or much longer, depending on what’s needed.

Carers can help with personal care, medication, meal preparation, light housework, or even just a chat. The aim is to provide the specific support needed while helping the person stay independent in the place that feels most familiar.

This type of care works well when someone needs regular help but not full-time supervision. It’s also a good option for families that live nearby and can share caring responsibilities.

What is live-in care?

Live-in care means a professional carer or companion moves into the home to provide round-the-clock support. They become part of daily life, and they’re always around to assist with daily tasks and provide company and friendship. They’re also available at night if needed.

For people who feel a little anxious about being alone, are living with complex medical needs, or benefit from a regular routine, live-in care brings constant reassurance. It’s a great alternative to moving into a residential home. It offers that extra one-to-one support while being able to stay at home in familiar surroundings.

What are the main differences between domiciliary and live-in care?

Level of support

Domiciliary care is part-time and planned around set visits, maybe once or twice a day, or a few days a week. Carers come to help with things like meals, medication, cleaning, or personal care.

Live-in care, on the other hand, provides continuous support. The carer is there all day and through the night and is available if something unexpected happens. This brings a sense of stability and safety that many families value deeply.

Continuity of care

With domiciliary care, you might have a small team of carers who rotate visits. It works well, but it’s trickier to build trust with different people.

Live-in care offers more consistency. Having one dedicated carer most of the time means they have time to grow a bond and have a better understanding of their client’s personal routines and, just as important, the client’s individual needs and desires.

Cost and commitment

Domiciliary care is usually more cost-effective for people who only need light or occasional support, since you pay for the hours used.

Live-in care involves a higher financial commitment, but for those with ongoing or complex needs, it can be more cost-effective than residential care, especially when you consider the personal attention your loved one receives and the comfort of being able to stay in their own home.

Independence and privacy

Lots of people prefer domiciliary care because they keep their independence between visits. They can go about their day freely, knowing help will arrive when needed.

Live-in care is more involved, with someone always present in the home. For many, that gives comfort rather than intrusion, particularly if they are sometimes lonely, enjoy company or need support at unpredictable times.

Peace of mind for your family

Domiciliary care gives families reassurance knowing help comes at set times each day. Live-in care goes further, offering continuous presence and peace of mind, which is especially helpful for families who live far away. For many, that round-the-clock safety is what ultimately makes the decision.

Choosing what’s right for your situation

The best type of care varies depending on the person’s health, personality, daily needs, and the support network they have.

If your loved one is mostly independent but needs help with just certain tasks at home, domiciliary care can work well.

If they need ongoing supervision, emotional reassurance, or more complex support, or if you’re noticing frequent crises or growing exhaustion as a family carer, live-in care may be a better fit.

You don’t have to decide all at once. Many families start with domiciliary care and adjust as needs change over time.

How Eximius Support can help

At Eximius, we provide both domiciliary and live-in care, with flexible plans created around each person’s individual needs. Our focus is always the same: helping people live as independently, safely, and happily as possible.

Every care plan is built around our clients’ routines and personal preferences. We go to great lengths to match a carer’s and client’s personalities when arranging live-in care. Our carers are highly trained and genuinely caring, so families can relax knowing their loved one is in good hands.

What families often tell us is that it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Like a carer who remembers how Dad takes his tea, who knows when Mum needs quiet time, or who notices when something feels “off”. That attention to detail comes from knowing people well, not rushing them through a system. It’s what we mean when we say our care is personal.

If you’re unsure which option would suit your situation best, we can walk you through both and design a plan that fits your family, not just for today, but for the future too. Get in touch with Eximius Support to find out how we can help you choose the right kind of care for your loved one.