What Is Domiciliary Care and Is It Right for Your Family?

When you start looking at care options for a loved one, the terminology can feel overwhelming. One phrase you’re likely to come across is ‘domiciliary care’. But what does it actually mean, and how do you know if it’s the right choice for your family?

What Does Domiciliary Care Mean?

Put simply, domiciliary care is support provided in someone’s own home. Instead of moving into a care home, a professional carer visits to offer help with day-to-day tasks. This could be anything from assistance with washing and dressing, preparing meals, taking medication on time, or simply being there for a friendly chat. The number of visits depends on what’s needed. Some people only need help once a day while others need help several times a day.

The main aim is to keep life as normal and familiar as possible. For many people, home is where they feel safest and happiest, so domiciliary care allows them to stay there while making sure they’re supported.

Who Is Domiciliary Care Best Suited For?

Domiciliary care is often the right option for someone who needs a little extra help but values their independence. Maybe your loved one is coping well most of the time, but tasks like cooking, bathing, or remembering medication have become difficult. They might have family nearby who can help, but not all the time. In these situations, having a trusted carer visit can make a huge difference. It’s also a good first step for those who aren’t ready to consider a care home or live-in care but still want peace of mind.

What Are the Advantages of Domiciliary Care?

The biggest benefit is that your loved one stays in their own home, surrounded by everything familiar. That sense of independence is incredibly important for well-being. Domiciliary care is also flexible, and the amount of help can be increased or decreased as needs change. Also, because carers usually visit regularly, strong relationships often develop, giving consistency and reassurance.

From a financial point of view, it can be more affordable than 24-hour options because you only pay for the hours of care required.

When Domiciliary Care Might Not Be Enough?

For some people, domiciliary care doesn’t provide enough support. If your loved one needs supervision throughout the day and night, has complex health needs, or struggles with mobility or memory, then live-in care or a residential setting might be more suitable. It’s all about making sure we match the right level of care to the individual’s needs.

How to Arrange Domiciliary Care

The first step is understanding exactly what your loved one needs. Many families start with a care needs assessment through their local authority. You can also speak to a trusted home care provider directly to explore options. A good provider will take time to get to know the person and build a plan that feels right for everyone involved.

At Eximius Support, we provide bespoke care that centres around each individual. We take into account their preferences, routines, and personality. Whether you need just a few hours a week or several visits a day, we’re here to make life easier and safer at home. And if circumstances change, we’ll help you adapt, whether that means increasing care or transitioning to live-in support.

If you’d like to learn more about our home care services and how we can help, get in touch with our team for an informal chat.

Further Reading

​​Domiciliary, Residential, or Live-in Care – How to Understand Which Is the Right Choice for You

How to Talk to Your Loved One About Needing Care

How Companions Help Combat Loneliness