Domiciliary care services are also known as homecare services, and sometimes referred to as dom care, and they refer to the range of services on offer to people to support them in their own homes. The idea here is that they manage to remain in reassuring and comfortable surroundings, while also getting the help they need, as an alternative to residential care.
It can be daunting when a loved one requires more assistance at home, and it’s perfectly natural to feel overwhelmed. This guide is designed to walk you through everything you need to know about domiciliary care services, including what it is and who would benefit from it. We will also provide information on our service for anyone looking for domiciliary care services in Glasgow, Edinburgh or Falkirk.
Introduction to Care at Home
Domiciliary care, also known as care at home, provides ongoing support and assistance to people in their own homes. This type of care is designed to help people maintain their independence and quality of life while receiving necessary support for daily activities. With domiciliary care services, individuals can receive personal care, medical support services, and mobility support in the comfort of their own home. Our goal is to provide individuals with the support they need to live a healthy, fulfilling life in their own home, surrounded by familiar surroundings and loved ones.
What is domiciliary care?
The simple answer to this is that it is professional care in somebody’s own home. The goal of domiciliary care workers is to ensure that their clients live a fulfilling, happy and safe life in their own home for as long as possible. It’s basically to provide support for the day-to-day needs of who they are looking after.
In practical terms, domiciliary care services can take many different forms. A client may only require a domiciliary carer to pop in once a day for help preparing meals or administering medication. To arrange domiciliary care, it is important to assess the individual’s specific needs and preferences to ensure the support provided is tailored and effective. At the other end of the scale, it may be decided that a live-in carer is what would be best, as ongoing support is required.
The most important thing is that the domiciliary care services are tailored to the needs of the individual to focus on improving their quality of life. There is never a ‘one-size fits all’ solution, as every person will have slightly differing needs and wants. That is why we take the time to get to know an individual and their family before we decide on a care package.
Who is domiciliary care for?
This kind of personal care can be suitable for many different people, in particular:
- Older adults who need help with daily tasks but want to remain at home
- People recovering from illness, surgery, or a hospital stay
- Those living with long-term conditions, such as arthritis, Parkinson’s, or COPD
- Individuals with dementia, who benefit from familiar surroundings and routines. Specialized dementia care is available to address the unique challenges faced by those with this condition, ensuring they receive the appropriate support and care.
- Family carers who need respite support or a little extra help
The best thing about domiciliary care is that it can keep on changing as the needs of any individual change. The ongoing support doesn’t have to always be the same.
What does domiciliary care include?
Basically, domiciliary care can include whatever is needed to help an individual live a safe and comfortable life in their own home. Typically, this will include:
Care visits can be tailored to the individual’s needs, ranging from brief daily check-ins to more extensive support, ensuring that each person receives the appropriate level of care.
Personal care
Providing whatever support is required to cater for their personal needs. Usually washing, dressing, using the toilet – anything for their personal hygiene, and to help them feel positive about themselves, like brushing their hair or applying makeup. Preventing pressure sores is also a critical aspect of personal care, ensuring the individual’s comfort and health.
Medical support services
Getting the right medication management is so important, so a domiciliary care worker would ensure that the right medication is administered at the right time.
For individuals over the State Pension Age, Attendance Allowance can provide additional financial support to help cover the costs of necessary medical support services.
Meal preparation
From a quick breakfast to a hearty dinner, a care provider will ensure that their client gets the right nutritious meals throughout the day, offering whatever support is required.
Companionship
An often overlooked element of domiciliary care is the emotional support that a carer can offer with companionship care. Having someone to speak to during regular visits can help, especially with elderly people. Family members can also play a crucial role in providing companionship, enhancing the emotional well-being of their loved ones. A friendly face goes a long way.
Domestic services
Help with everyday tasks in the person’s home, like general cleaning, laundry or shopping trips. Whatever household tasks are required to ensure the home remains a safe and comfortable environment.
Mobility support
Domiciliary caregivers can also offer physical mobility support to people that struggle to move around their home. This can range from transfers (for example between a bed to a chair), help with walking sticks or wheelchairs, exercise programmes and fall prevention.
Specialist support
Some conditions, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can throw up very specific care issues that require support workers that are trained to deal with them. Personalised support is essential in these cases, ensuring that care plans are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Domiciliary care will be able to cater for these needs.
Role of Domiciliary Care Workers
Domiciliary care workers play a vital role in providing support and assistance to individuals in their own homes. Their duties include providing personal care, such as bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene, as well as assisting with household chores, meal preparation, and mobility support. Domiciliary care workers are trained to provide high-quality care and support, and they work closely with individuals and their families to develop personalized care plans. They also provide emotional support and companionship, which is essential for maintaining independence and quality of life. By choosing a qualified carer, individuals can receive the support they need to maintain their independence and live safely in their own home.
Why choose domiciliary care over residential care
When it comes to care, the only right answer is whatever is best for the individual and their family. Every situation is different, and there isn’t one answer that will apply to everyone. However, there are a few reasons why many people prefer domiciliary care over residential care, which are worth highlighting.
For a start, being able to stay in a familiar environment is incredibly important to people. Many homes will hold a lifetime of memories that people aren’t ready to move on from, and on a practical level, being in familiar surroundings can help with conditions like dementia, when it’s important to reduce stress and confusion. In contrast, a nursing home requires individuals to relocate to a dedicated facility, which may not be suitable for everyone.
It also affords more independence, giving people more control over their daily lives. They get more choice of what they do and when, rather than having to fall into the routines at care homes, while still getting the vital support that they need.
For the family of the client, they can remain involved in the care of their loved one, while also getting support. Having professional domiciliary carers to take care of the majority of the care means that they can still play an active role, and also visit their loved ones without having to conform to visiting hours.
One surprising element of domiciliary care is that it can be more affordable than residential care. Obviously this will depend on many factors, but some people will be eligible for financial support from their local authority (for example a Personal Independence Payment). It’s always worth exploring the different financial options, and we would be happy to talk you through this – we can help navigate what is on offer to you from local authorities.
Choosing a Care Provider
Choosing a care provider can be a daunting task, but it’s essential to find a provider that meets your needs and provides high-quality care. When selecting a care provider, consider factors such as their experience, qualifications, and reputation. It’s also essential to ensure that the provider is regulated and meets the necessary standards for quality and safety. By choosing a regulated company, individuals can have peace of mind knowing that they are receiving high-quality care and support. Additionally, consider the benefits of domiciliary care, including the ability to maintain independence, receive personalized support, and live in the comfort of your own home.
Funding Options
There are various funding options available for domiciliary care, including local authority funding, direct payments, and private funding. Individuals may be eligible for financial support from their local council, which can help cover the costs of care. Direct payments allow individuals to manage their own care budget and choose their own care provider. Private funding options are also available, including paying for care out of pocket or using a private carer. It’s essential to explore the available funding options and choose the one that best meets your needs. Consider consulting with a financial advisor or social worker to determine the best funding option for your situation.
Is domiciliary care right for your family?
There’s no getting away from it – getting the right care for a loved one is a huge decision, and one that only you will be able to make. Domiciliary care is a great option that works brilliantly for many people, and finding out more about it by reading articles like this is an excellent first step – the more you know, the better informed your decision will be. Understanding precisely what domiciliary care entails can help you make the best decision for your loved one’s needs.
We’re here to help in any way you can, so if you would like to speak to our team and find out more information, and tell us about your care needs, we would love to hear from you. We provide trusted domiciliary care across Edinburgh, Falkirk and Glasgow – delivered by compassionate professionals who treat every client with the care and respect they deserve.
Speak to us today and we can tell you exactly what we can offer, and you can ask us any questions you have about domiciliary care.
Michael Mensah brings over seven years of experience as a Nutritionist, guided by a genuine passion for improving people’s wellbeing. His strong commitment to supporting others in living with dignity and independence led him into the care sector.
He began his journey at Careline Home Support as a Care Worker, progressed to Team Leader, then Assistant Care Co-ordinator, and now works as a Care Co-ordinator. In this role, he provides personalised, person-centred care that respects each individual’s needs, while upholding the highest standards of compassion, safeguarding, and respect.
For Michael, caregiving is not just a profession but a meaningful exchange rooted in empathy. He believes that just as nature supports itself, those who need help should be met by those ready to offer it. His work brings him a deep sense of purpose, and he is proud to help foster a team culture built on kindness, professionalism, and mutual support.
