If you or a loved one are beginning your journey into care, you might be overwhelmed by the many terms you hear for different types of care available for older people.
From care homes to assisted living facilities – which is right for you?
Domiciliary care and live-in care services are used by many older people around the UK. Here, we break down what domiciliary care and live-in care mean, how they work and who they are for. Once you’re armed with all the information, you can make the best choice for yourself or your loved one.
What are live-in and domiciliary care?
Domiciliary care, which is also called home care, refers to having a paid carer in your home to assist with personal care. It can encompass a range of services depending on your needs, from short daily or weekly visits to overnight stays and even 24-hour live-in support.
Short-term live-in care services are also available for people who are recovering from an illness or hospital stay and need support with convalescence while they regain their independence.
Domiciliary carers typically help with older people’s personal care, including everything from getting them in and out of bed to washing and using the toilet to helping with medications. Carers can also support individuals with some tasks around the home, such as preparing meals and drinks, doing the shopping and helping them get out and about, as well as providing general companionship.
Live-in care is for older people who have more advanced care or nursing needs requiring round-the-clock support. This type of care can be ideal for people who are living with dementia or who are receiving palliative care.
Care home or care-at-home?
Care can be provided in various ways and in various settings. We want you to be informed about the benefits of moving to a care home, and to consider if home care (care-at-home) is appropriate. The comparison list below will help you make the right decision for you and your family.
| Comparing care homes to care-at-home |
|---|
| Care Home | Care-at-home |
| Person-centred care | In Care UK care homes, there is no limit on the time we spend with your loved one. We believe in a person-centred approach to care, delivering care that’s personalised to each resident's needs, preferences and interests. | Will learn about your loved one’s care needs and plan what is required, but time available can be limited because care is provided and paid for in time-slots. |
| Social interaction | Our lifestyle teams run a wide range of group and one-to-one activities, all completely tailored to your loved one’s interests. This includes exercise classes, art, music, quizzes and connections with local groups and schools. Residents continue to make new friends in the home and in the local community. | Unless the carer is employed to offer companionship, their time will not include activities or social interaction. |
| Quality food and nutrition | Our homes have chef-led teams who provide delicious home cooked meals throughout the day, tailored to the needs and preferences of residents. Our teams are fully trained to adapt meals to conditions such as dysphagia, so everyone can enjoy a nutritious and tasty meal safely. Mealtimes are an important part of the day with emphasis on enjoying food and spending time with friends. | If care includes cooking a meal, this will only be from the food that’s available at the time. The carer may be a good cook, but is unlikely to have professional chef experience or knowledge of nutrition. |
| Flexible care and continuity | At Care UK we believe that choice and dignity are key, so if your loved one would like a lie in, or a late night, that’s up to them. We review care on a regular basis and if needs change, then we adapt the care plan accordingly. Your loved one will be cared for by people they know and trust in familiar surroundings. | Will vary from provider-to provider, but choice of carer, or what time to get up and to go to bed, will depend on availability of slots. |
| Keeping safe | Our care homes have the latest safety features, including nurse call systems and alarms in every bedroom. We provide round-the-clock care and are only seconds away if help is needed – providing residents and their families with the ultimate peace of mind day and night. | During their time with your loved one, a carer may be able to support them to get around their home. If they are at risk of falling they may need a live-in carer or other solution. |
When would you consider live-in or domiciliary care?
Domiciliary care provides additional support so you can continue living independently in your own home. You may have mobility problems that make getting around difficult, or you could be dealing with the early stages of dementia. Or perhaps you need extra help bathing and getting in and out of bed as you recover from an illness.
Whatever the reason, if you or your loved one is struggling to cope with day-to-day tasks but can still live safely at home, you might consider domiciliary care services.
Live-in care is required if you need support in your home 24 hours a day. Some live-in care agencies specialise in nursing care or dementia care for those with higher-level needs.
Living in familiar surroundings can be beneficial for older people, especially those living with dementia – though there are also benefits to living in a care home that specialises in dementia care. If you choose to receive care at home, you will need to ensure your home remains safe for you to live in as you age or make necessary adaptations.
How do live-in and domiciliary care work?
Domiciliary care can be arranged depending on your individual needs, from one or two visits a day at set times to overnight stays or a live-in carer. To get started, you’ll need a care needs assessment from your local council to work out the level of care required. If you require live-in care, your carer will need a room and a place to sleep in your home.
To arrange domiciliary or live-in care, you can employ your own carer or use a home care agency. If you use an agency, they will usually try to match you with someone who is suitable for your care needs and who can also form a good rapport with you. It's important to know that you may not always have the same carer visiting you, however.
Costs for domiciliary care vary depending on where you live and your needs, but they typically range between £15 and £30 an hour. Remember to ask upfront if any services are charged as extras. Your local council may be able to arrange home care for you if you are eligible and, depending on your circumstances, contribute to the cost.
Like care homes, home care agencies are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England, the Care Inspectorate Wales and the Care Inspectorate for Scotland.
When would you consider a care home instead of live-in or domiciliary care?
Domiciliary and live-in care appeal to many because they can be provided in your own home, but sometimes it’s just not possible to get the care you need where you currently live. If this is the case, a care home is often the best option.
Care homes offer all the care and support you need, 24 hours a day. As well as delivering personal care, many homes specialise in dementia care, while nursing homes offer 24-hour support for those with higher-level needs. Residents also don’t need to worry about separate bills for care, housing, utilities and food, as these are all covered in the care home fee.
Providing quality care is just the start. Care home teams get to know residents very well and create personalised lifestyle plans to ensure each resident’s unique wishes and needs are met through tailored group and one-to-one activities, as well as trips out to visit museums, local shops and other places of interest.
A care home will also provide professionally cooked meals and homemade snacks and drinks. At Care UK, our professional chefs know that nutrition only becomes more important as we age, so they get to know residents’ tastes to provide dishes they know they’ll love.
Many older people will be apprehensive about moving into a new environment, so our teams go above and beyond to ensure new residents feel secure and supported in their new home. Residents are welcome to decorate their rooms however they’d like and to bring treasured possessions in to make the space feel more homely and familiar.
How do I choose the right option for me?
Both care homes and domiciliary care agencies offer fully qualified carers, and choosing which is right for you will depend on your unique circumstances.
While domiciliary care offers the stability of living in your own home, your options will depend on the availability of carers and the shifts they work.
In a Care UK care home, our teams provide round-the-clock care and are only seconds away if help is needed. Many of our homes offer nursing support, meaning that your loved one will be able to stay in a familiar home with care they trust if their needs change. Plus, care homes offer a programme of activities, chef-made meals and luxury facilities like cinemas, hair salons and gardens.
We know that choosing the right care for your or your loved one’s needs can be an overwhelming experience, but our team is here to support you with free advice and resources.
If you want to learn more about your local Care UK care home, visit our find a care home page to find out what care they provide and get in touch.
