Difference between domiciliary and residential care
When most people hear the word "care homes," they immediately think of a nursing home or a residential home. However, there are various other options which include homecare or domiciliary care, wherein a caregiver or team of carers assist you at the comfort of your home.
The decision between domiciliary and residential care is solely based on your needs. Domiciliary care services are provided in a person's own home, whereas residential care services include an individual living permanently in a specialist establishment established solely to provide care.
Although it is important to distinguish between residential homes and nursing homes, most nursing homes provide more comprehensive care, whereas residential homes are ideal for people with limited mobility, early-onset dementia, and a variety of other low-level care needs.
Domiciliary care is usually preferred over residential care because people who choose nursing care require more specific or complex care that is too severe to be provided in a domestic setting.
To understand the major distinction between the two, you must first comprehend what domiciliary care and residential care are.
What is domiciliary care?
Domiciliary care is when a professional care worker looks after a person from the comfort of their own home. A carer or team of caregivers will visit your loved one’s home as often as needed to assist them in living independently.
In a nutshell, domiciliary care can range from a short-term visit by an experienced caregiver to a caregiver living with you 24-hours a day. It's also known as live-in care, and it's becoming a popular option for people who don't want to visit a care home but want the convenience of having someone there to help them.
What is residential care?
Residential care is where a vulnerable adult leaves their home, memories, and belongings to relocate into a facility dedicated to round-the-clock care. A residential care facility offers 24-hour personal care and complete support for seniors who need help with everyday activities like dressing, washing, bathing, or eating but don’t need nursing care. Furthermore, this type of care can be provided in both the short and long term.
Most homecare, however, caters to some nursing needs through special care facilities or visiting health experts. They are primarily for senior citizens who are unable to live independently and manage their personal hygiene, medication, and toileting. The expert staff at residential care facilities is well-trained to provide the care and support that people require on a regular basis, such as medication administration. Nonetheless, they may be unqualified to provide medical care.
How do you choose the right care service?
Deciding on a care service entirely dependent on your requirements.
Domiciliary care may be appropriate if you or your loved one is safe and content to be alone and only requires assistance with specific tasks. This option allows your loved one to stay in their own home for as long as possible while still maintaining their independence.
If you or a loved one cannot or does not want to be left alone, residential care is the best option. They will have 24-hour support and will be in a safe, warm, and friendly environment with plenty of activities to maintain a high quality of life. This is the best option for people who need more advanced care that cannot be met by family or community caregivers.
Visit the NHS website to learn more about the differences between the two.
Nurses Group Homecare can meet the majority of your care needs, from simple care such as household chores or companionship to more complex care such as palliative care, dementia care, and many other services.