If you are considering a career in care, it’s important to understand the different types of care available.
Care can generally be divided into two main areas: residential and domiciliary. But what’s the difference?
Domiciliary care is help and support offered to a person with additional needs, within their own home.
Residential care involves a person moving into a facility with others, and being supported round the clock by a team of carers.
Let’s break it down further…
How does domiciliary care work?
Domiciliary care involves supporting a person within their home. This often works on an hourly basis, with a carer visiting at set times to assist with things such as washing, cooking, cleaning and other household jobs, as well as providing company.
For the vulnerable person, this can be an ideal step into care, allowing them to maintain independence and stay in familiar surroundings.
For you as a carer, domiciliary care offers a personal approach. You’ll build up relationships and friendships with those in your care, getting to know them and their families, hearing their stories and truly improving their lives – and their loved ones’ lives too.
It also brings flexibility and variety – you might be visiting several clients in one day, each of whom will have different routines and needs. You’ll become adaptable and versatile as a carer, and you’ll finish each shift knowing that you have made a remarkable difference.
Another type of domiciliary care is known as live-in care, where a carer is based with a client, offering round-the-clock companionship, help and nursing duties if required. Of all the care work options, this role allows you to create the most meaningful one-on-one relationships – and can be the most intensely rewarding.
What about residential care?
A residential care home is ideal for many people with additional needs, and can be a fantastic place to work as well.
Residential care facilities offer 24/7 support for people who need assistance with day-to-day activities, such as dressing and washing, but do not need specialist nursing care.
But they are also so much more. A residential home provides a community, with activities and opportunities to socialise, and this can be great fun to be part of.
You would work alongside other carers offering support to a number of residents. This means getting to know lots of new people, with a variety of tasks. Few things are more rewarding than seeing a senior person blossom in their new environment, under your care.
You’ll work in a team, with great opportunities to learn from others and progress in your own care career. Working in residential care also offers flexibility, both in shift patterns and the work itself. Personal care is just one part of it – you could get involved in catering, admin, or event and activity organisation, for example.
Whatever type of care you choose to get involved in, you’ll be making a positive difference, to others’ lives and your own.