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Choosing the right type of care is not always a simple process. Many families compare domiciliary care and residential care before deciding. Both have advantages, but the support is delivered in very different ways.
Domiciliary care is also known as home care, where a person stays at home while care workers visit to help with personal care, meals, medication, cleaning, and other tasks. Home care is flexible, supports routines, promotes independence, and keeps people close to family, friends, and their community.
Residential care means that the person moves into a care home. Staff in a residential care can provide care around the clock, and also assist with meals, cleaning, social activities, etc. Residential care is typically sought when a person requires more support, regular supervision, or specialised care. Residential care also provides the person with the opportunity to be in a safe environment with other people who may have similar support needs, which could help reduce loneliness and isolation.
Both domiciliary and residential care have their own advantages that depend on a person’s requirements. Taking the time to consider and understand the differences will help you to make an informed decision to determine which option is best option for you or your loved one.
What Is Domiciliary care?
Domiciliary care is previously known as home care. It is an assistance provided in a person’s own home. Care workers go into the person’s home to assist with needs such as washing, dressing, meals and medication. Some visits can be short when assistance is only needed for a short period, and others can last longer depending on how much help a person needs.
The main focus is to help people be independent and comfortable in their own space. It is also important as it can keep people close to family, friends, and connections to their local community. Domiciliary care is also flexible and can be designed around the routine and lifestyle of each person.
For a full explanation, read our complete guide to domiciliary care.
What Is Residential Care?
Residential care involves living in a care home where staff are available full-time to help. Rather than being at home, people in residential care live in a care environment that is safe for residents. Residential care can support older adults, people with disabilities, or people with long-term health needs.
Care home staff help with washing, dressing, medication, and meals. Care homes offer private or shared rooms, communal spaces for meals and activities, and often organise social events and outings to build community.
Many residential care situations come about when people require support 24/7 or can no longer manage safely at home. Knowing that there is a staff person on site to care, at all times, for your loved one can provide peace of mind for families.
Differences Between Domiciliary and Residential Care
While domiciliary care and residential care are both forms of care for people with daily living tasks, they are fundamentally different. The key differences are cost, independence, social interaction, safety, and level of care available. Once families consider these categories more carefully, they can decide the best care option for themselves.
Cost Comparison
Costs have a substantial influence on the choice of domiciliary or residential care. Home care charges are detailed on an hourly basis. Effectively, the total cost of domiciliary care is determined by the frequency of carers’ visits and duration. Some clients may require only a short daily visit period, and others several hours of set-time support or live-in care. With domiciliary care, families know how much assistance is required to make decisions and ultimately help to manage costs.
Residential care is charged differently. Almost all care homes quote a set fee per week or month. The set fee includes room and board and many of the person’s daily activities, including a bed, meals, personal care, laundry, cleaning, and 24-hour support. Some care homes may have additional charges for specialist care, medical services, or social activities. Residential care appears as a larger total amount, but most of this will pay for the majority of daily living activities on one invoice.
Value is always dependent on circumstance. Obviously, if someone only requires assistance periodically, then domiciliary care would be the less costly option. If a person requires constant care supervision, residential homes may provide a better equitable cost split of care.
Independence & Lifestyle
Living at home with domiciliary care gives people more personal freedom. They can keep their routine, have a say on meal times, and continue their activities in comfortable surroundings. This autonomy will help to make them feel independent and that they are at least comfortable.
In residential care, there are more limitations on personal freedom. Care homes schedule meal times, activities, and ways of life to suit a group of residents. Support is available, but daily choices are limited compared to living at home.
The overall decision is usually based on how much independence the person wants versus how many limitations they need to stay safe and well.
Care Intensity & Safety
Domiciliary care provides support in planned visits, with a carer coming once or many times a day, as needed. Sometimes live-in care provides constant support, but there may still be moments when the person is alone, creating safety risks.
Residential care entails 24/7 supervision. The staff are available at all times and can respond to emergencies, be there for medication, and offer support each day. Many feel safer in residential care, where staff are always available for emergencies, especially for those with complex needs or higher risks.
The best option will depend on how much care the person requires daily and whether having around-the-clock safety is important to their well-being.
Domiciliary Care vs Home Care
Domiciliary care and home care are two terms that refer to the same type of care service. Both domiciliary care and home care take place in a person’s own home and are different from residential care. Care workers visit a person’s home to help, support, follow and assist with daily tasks, such as washing/dressing, meal preparation, medication, and light household tasks.
| Term | Meaning | Features |
| Domiciliary Care | Assistance that is conducted in a person’s home | Help with personal care, meal preparation, medication, cleaning, and other daily tasks. |
| Home Care | Another term for Domiciliary care | The same support as domiciliary care, with emphasis on independence and comfort at home. |
| Are they different? | No, both are the same service | Both are aimed at enabling people to be able to live safely and independently in familiar surroundings |
Supported Living vs Residential Care vs Domiciliary Care
| Care Type | Where you live | Level of Support | Independence | Who It Suits |
| Domiciliary Care | In your own home | Care workers can go into your home for set hours or full live-in support | Highly repetitive everyday routines chosen by the individual | People who prefer flexible care in their own home. |
| Residential care | In a nursing home with other residents | Providing care, meals, and supervision 24/7 | Lower routines are determined by the care home | Individuals who require 24/7 support or a medical professional, such as a nurse |
| Supported Living | In your own home or shared accommodation | Support workers can help with daily living and housing | High – focus on choice and autonomy | Individuals with a disability or long-term support needs who want autonomy in the community with some support. |
When Domiciliary Care Works Best
Domiciliary care is an effective and suitable approach when someone requires support while still wanting to preserve their independence. This option typically works well for those in the early stages of needing care. when they have to accept support to assist with daily tasks such as washing, dressing, preparing meals or taking medicine.
This option allows people to stay in their own home with family, friends, and community nearby. Additionally, it also allows families to be active partners in their loved one’s care, and when professional care is needed. Domiciliary care suits people safe at home and need regular or occasional support, offering comfort and helping delay a move to residential care
When Residential Care Is the Better Option
Residential care is most appropriate for people needing a higher level of support. It is often the best choice for people living with dementia, complex health and support needs, or high dependency.
In a care home, staff are available 24/7. The consistency of supervision is effective in minimising risks for those who are at risk, those who become confused, and those with medical complications.
It is beneficial for families who are no longer able to provide a sufficient level of care needs at home. Residential care provides reassurance that their loved one is in a safe environment with access to professional support at all times.
How to Choose the Right Option
The choice between residential and domiciliary care relies upon several important factors. First, health needs. If only light support is required, domiciliary care may suffice, but if a person requires 24/7 assistance, residential care is more likely to be safer than domiciliary.
Considering the budget is essential. Domiciliary care is charged hourly, so it can be adapted to suit your needs. A trusted home care agency in Coventry can provide visits tailored to the individual. Residential care, on the other hand, usually has a fixed weekly or monthly fee. This covers meals, accommodation, and 24/7 professional support.
Consummate Care, we support families in making these decisions. We assess individual needs and explain the best options, helping you make a confident, informed choice. To find out more about how we can assist you with your services, contact us today.
