What is domiciliary care, and how does it differ from home care? While the two terms are often used interchangeably, there are subtle distinctions that can help you decide which service best suits your needs.
With the over-65 population set to rise from 19% to 27% in the next 50 years, and the high costs of residential homes alongside limited hospital capacity, receiving care at home is becoming more important than ever.
Today, over 820,000 people in the UK receive care in their own homes. Whether you call it domiciliary care or home help, this form of social support allows people to stay comfortable, independent, and well looked after in familiar surroundings.
But before you decide what’s right for you or a loved one, it helps to understand the meaning of domiciliary care, what home care involves, and the similarities and differences between the two.
Domiciliary care, sometimes simply referred to as “dom care,” is professional support delivered directly in a person’s own home. The term covers a wide range of services, from assistance with personal hygiene and mobility to household tasks, companionship, and even more advanced nursing care.
Nowadays, it’s believed that 23.5% of people who choose domiciliary care pay for it themselves.
The meaning of domiciliary care is straightforward: it allows people to live independently for as long as possible while still receiving the daily help they need.
It’s especially valuable for older adults, those recovering from illness or surgery, or anyone managing a long-term condition.
You might hear domiciliary care described as “care at home,” but it’s usually associated with regular visits rather than 24-hour live-in arrangements.
Home care, sometimes called visiting care, is the umbrella term for any care delivered in your own home. Domiciliary care falls within this, but home care can also cover live-in care, respite care, or more advanced support such as dementia or palliative care.
At its core, home care is about more than convenience. It’s a flexible, personalised service that respects each person’s needs, preferences, and lifestyle. With nearly 1 million people in the UK receiving some form of home care, it’s a growing choice for those who want to remain comfortable and independent in familiar surroundings.
Home carers can provide a wide range of support, including:
This wide scope means home care suits a variety of people, from those recovering after a hospital stay to those with long-term conditions or simply needing day-to-day support.
If you’d like to dive deeper into the different types of home care services, read our full guide on what home care is and whether it’s right for you.
The definitions differ slightly. However, both domiciliary care and home care share the same core purpose: helping people live well in the comfort of their own home. Both are designed to improve the quality of life, reduce stress for families, and avoid the need for premature residential care. The similarities include:
Although domiciliary care and home care share many similarities, there are important distinctions that may help guide your decision:
These differences highlight that domiciliary care is ideal for those who need regular help with daily living, while home care as a whole offers a wider spectrum of support, including medical and therapeutic care when required.
At Kemble at Home, we’ve been delivering trusted home care and domiciliary services for over 30 years. Our family-run team has been rated “outstanding” by the CQC and supports individuals across Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and the surrounding areas.
From visiting care that helps with daily routines to full-time live-in support, our professional carers provide compassionate, personalised care that fits around your lifestyle.
Get in touch with us today to find out how we can support you or your loved one.
