There are a number of different services that carers who visit clients in their own homes can provide. One option is domiciliary care. This is a flexible service that helps people in their own homes, but without the carer actually living under the same roof. The aim of this service is to help people stay in their own homes, living as independently as possible for as long as possible. Carers can carry out tasks as required, from helping with morning and evening routines, cooking and serving meals, helping with light housework and more. Domiciliary care can be arranged over a long-term period, or fixed term, for example, after an operation or hospital stay.
Who can benefit from domiciliary care?
The great thing about domiciliary care is that it can be adapted to suit a wide range of people. Suitable for any age, the service can be as simple or complex as each client requires. It can provide huge support for people living with long-term physical and mental health conditions, such as dementia, Parkinson’s or MS. Other people who can benefit from domiciliary care include those who have recently come out of hospital after having an operation or receiving treatment. Domiciliary care can help people take it easy during rest periods and to gradually pick back up where they left off with their normal life routines. New parents can also benefit from having an extra pair of hands around in the early days of having their babies at home. The service is also ideal for older and disabled people needing more support at home. Not to mention those who find themselves short of energy or time to run their lives as they would wish to alone.
What do domiciliary carers do?
Again, the list of tasks that fall under domiciliary care is long and varied. Broadly speaking, they fall into a number of key categories. Personal care covers getting dressed and washed, caring for hair, nails and feet, providing support with going to the toilet, etc. Housekeeping is all about preparing and serving meals, shopping and other light errands and general tidying and cleaning. Other areas include providing companionship, conversation, and help getting to and from social groups and hobbies. Also basic medical assistance, such as PEG feeding, catheter care, pressure sores prevention and collecting and administering prescription medication. However, this list is not exhaustive. It will be up to you and your domiciliary care provider to work out exactly what support you need.
How to arrange domiciliary care?
The first step towards arranging domiciliary care is to work out what you need, when and where. This can be done in consultation with someone else – a family member, doctor or friend. Next, decide if domiciliary care will cover the needs you have identified. It could be that you require a more substantial level of care, or someone with more specialist medical training. If, however, you feel that your needs can be covered by domiciliary care, ask around for recommendations, or check reviews online to find a reputable company. Your chosen provider of domiciliary care should be able to answer your questions and give comprehensive details of what they offer, when and how. They should also give you full financial details up front. This is so that you don’t get landed with any unexpected bills after the service has started. You should be able to meet your carer in advance and arrange a couple of trial periods to make sure that you get on with them – and that they are happy working with you!
Domiciliary care versus residential care
There are a number of options available to people who require ongoing care for themselves or their loved one. One key choice to make is whether to stay in your own home or move to residential care 24/7. There are many advantages to choosing domiciliary care for as long as you can. You can stay in the comfort of your own home for longer. Being in familiar surroundings can be hugely reassuring at a time when you are feeling vulnerable. You will receive bespoke, one-to-one care from your carer, rather than having to fit in around other residents’ requirements at the same time. Meals can be taken at your convenience, and you can enjoy a wider choice of food and drink to suit your personal tastes and preferences. Friends and family can visit you whenever they like, rather than during set visiting hours.
