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When you start exploring home care options, you will come across the term ‘domiciliary care’. Over 900,000 people in the UK use domiciliary care but what exactly is it?
What does domiciliary care mean?
‘Domiciliary’ literally means something that takes place in your home. Domiciliary care means support with daily living in your own home, rather than a care home, hospital or other medical facility.
Domiciliary care is usually provided by local home care providers and agencies. They employ and train staff who can travel to your home and provide the care you need, when you need it.
What is the difference between home care and domiciliary?
Domiciliary care and home care are often used interchangeably. However, they do mean slightly different things.
Home care is an umbrella term for any care that is provided in your own home, including specialist medical care, nursing care and rehabilitation.
Meanwhile domiciliary care is specifically general support around the home, including personal care, companionship, mobility assistance and housework. These services are provided by a carer, rather than a nurse or other medical professional.
Who is domiciliary care for?
Domiciliary care is for anybody who needs a little extra assistance with daily living, and wants to and is able to continue living in their own home.
It is a very popular option for older people, but also people with other health needs, temporary or permanent. Many care agencies also offer specialist care, for people living with more complex care needs.
Carers visit as little or often as you need, known as ‘visiting care’. You might need half an hour each morning to help you get up and dressed, a couple of weekly visits to do some housework or daily visits that last a few hours at a time, known as ‘sits’ or ‘sitting service’. You may even want live-in care, when the carer comes to live with you in your home.
What services are included in domiciliary care?
When you arrange domiciliary care, the care provider will draw up a care plan for you. This is based on your needs, wishes and budget. Your care plan is completely personalised to you.
Some of the services included in domiciliary care that you may wish to use include:
Personal care
Personal care is support with personal hygiene, such as washing, shaving, teeth brushing, and going to the toilet. It can also include support to cook, eat and drink.
Housework help
Housework help is when the carer either does, or helps you with, cleaning, tidying, laundry, ironing etc.
Companionship
Companionship care is when your carer provides you with company and support as you go about your day. This might be while they support you to attend appointments, get out and about or run errands, or simply somebody to chat with at home.
Mobility support
Mobility support is assistance for people with limited mobility, who need help to do things like getting out of bed, transferring from a wheelchair or using a wet room. Sometimes this needs two carers for safety and may involve using a hoist or other equipment.
Some support with medical needs
Domiciliary carers can’t usually provide nursing care (which must be provided by a trained nurse), but they can offer some basic help with medical needs. This can include collecting your medication from the pharmacy, helping you to take it, plus minor treatments that don’t require a nurse, like applying creams and plasters.
What are the advantages of domiciliary care?
- You can stay in your own home, where you feel the most comfortable and safe.
- Without relocating, your lifestyle, social life and any commitments can continue much as they were before you started receiving care.
- Optimum independence – your care plan is tailored around the support you need and when. You still have control over your home, routine and lifestyle.
- It’s generally cheaper than a care home. This depends on how much support you require and the expense of your home.
- If you have been struggling to maintain your home or look after yourself completely independently, domiciliary care offers you a clean and tidy home and potentially better food and personal hygiene, depending on your circumstances.
How much does domiciliary care cost?
The average cost of domiciliary care in the UK in 2025 is £26 – £38 per hour. The price varies according to where you live, the provider you choose and your care needs.
How do I arrange domiciliary care?
To arrange domiciliary care, have a look at our search feature to find information and contact details for care providers in your area. You can specify whether you’re looking for visiting or live-in care.
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