What are the differences between residential and domiciliary care?
Domiciliary care within your home
The key point of domiciliary care is that the individual remains living in their own home. This allows them a greater level of autonomy regarding what they do, where they spend time, and even how much privacy they get. In general, domiciliary care may be better suited to those who are able to remain independent.
Even those who have greater or more complex needs may still be able to benefit from domiciliary care. There are options such as having a family member help to support you, with Healthcare Assistants coming in to provide additional help and respite for family. Alternatively, there is also the option of having a Healthcare Assistant come and live with you on a permanent basis, and then other Healthcare Assistants providing them with respite.
The negative aspects of domiciliary care are that, when you have timed visits by Healthcare Assistants, you may not have support outside of these times. Additionally, if there are staffing issues, you may find that your visits need to be altered to ensure all clients are covered.
Depending on your needs, this care may be funded either by the local council or privately by yourselves. Local authority allocation may not allow you to choose the provider of your care, but private domiciliary care is completely within your control. For more information, contact Absolute to find out the services we provide and how we could support you.
Residential care offering enhanced support
The alternative to domiciliary care is residential care. This does mean that the client leaves their home to live permanently in a care facility. Many of these can look just like normal homes or blocks of flats, while others may be a single residence where you would have your own room within the building and shared facilities.
Residential care can involve the care team undertaking all aspects of your care, including personal care, medication, meals, and entertainment or days out. Alternatively, this can also incorporate semi-independent living, but with support on-hand at all times if needed.
Some of the negative aspects of residential care are that, depending on the type of facility you move to, you may find that your personal space and autonomy are greatly reduced. In some places, there may be set activities or days for going out, meaning you may not be able to do the things you want at a time that suits you.
A number of care homes have also been closed and sold in recent years, which may also result in a wait for a residential placement depending on needs and diagnoses.
The similarities between residential and domiciliary care
Ultimately, both types of care are there to support your needs and improve quality of life. When deciding between residential care and domiciliary care, you may want to consider your health and wellbeing, both now and in the future, as well as your preference towards living elsewhere or remaining at home. Some people find it useful to also think about how safe they would be remaining at home, and even the effects staying or going may have on other members of the household.
Regardless of which option you choose, it is worth doing your research. Ensure that the provider has been checked by the CQC, and is up to standard. It can also be prudent to speak to medical practitioners, any involved social workers, and family to see which option may suit you best.
If you do feel that domiciliary care is the right choice for you, then don’t hesitate to speak to an Absolute Care Co-ordinator for further information.
- Written by Verity Armstrong
Tweets by @abs_healthcare