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News

The difference between residential and domiciliary care

Apr 19, 2023
The difference between residential and domiciliary care

When it comes to providing care to individuals who need assistance with their daily living activities, there are different types of care available.

Two of the most common types of care are residential care and domiciliary care. While both types of care involve providing support to individuals in their daily lives, there are significant differences between them.

Residential Care

Residential care involves individuals living in a care home or nursing home. This means that individuals have their own private room and share communal living spaces such as dining rooms, lounges, and gardens.

Residential care homes offer 24-hour support from care staff, who assist with personal care, medication, and meals. They also offer social activities and outings to help promote social interaction and prevent isolation.

Residential care is ideal for individuals who require more intensive support and supervision, or for those who have complex health needs. It can also be suitable for individuals who may be lonely or isolated, as it offers the opportunity for social interaction with others.

Domiciliary Care

Domiciliary care, also known as home care, involves care staff providing support to individuals in their own homes. This means that individuals can remain in the familiar surroundings of their own home while receiving assistance with their daily living activities.

Domiciliary care can be provided on a part-time or full-time basis, and can include assistance with personal care, medication, household tasks, and social interaction.

Domiciliary care is ideal for individuals who wish to remain in their own homes but require support to do so. It can also be suitable for individuals who require more flexibility with their care, as it can be tailored to their individual needs.

Key Differences

One of the key differences between residential care and domiciliary care is the location of care provision.

Residential care involves individuals living in a care home, while domiciliary care involves care staff visiting individuals in their own homes. This means that residential care offers a more communal living experience, while domiciliary care offers more privacy and independence.

Another key difference is the level of support provided. Residential care offers 24-hour support from care staff, while domiciliary care can be provided on a part-time or full-time basis.

This means that residential care is more suitable for individuals with more complex care needs, while domiciliary care is more suitable for individuals who require less intensive support.

Conclusion

When considering care options, it is important to understand the differences between residential care and domiciliary care.

Both types of care offer support to individuals in their daily lives, but the level and location of support differ. Residential care is ideal for individuals who require more intensive support and supervision, while domiciliary care is ideal for individuals who wish to remain in their own homes but require support to do so.

Ultimately, the choice between residential care and domiciliary care will depend on the individual’s needs and preferences.

If you’re interested in a career in care, please visit our vacancies page.

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