Most people, given the choice, would prefer to stay in their own home for as long as possible. Domiciliary care, also known as home care, makes that possible for people who need support with daily living but do not need or want to move into a residential care setting.
If you are exploring care options for yourself or a family member, this guide explains what domiciliary care is, how it works, and what to look for in a quality provider.
What Is Domiciliary Care?
A trained care worker visits, or lives in, the individual's home to provide whatever level of support they need, from a brief daily check-in to round the clock care.
The term covers a wide range of support, including personal care (washing, dressing, grooming), medication support, meal preparation, household tasks, mobility support, companionship, and complex care such as stoma care, catheter care, or PEG feeding.
Who Is Domiciliary Care For?
Domiciliary care is appropriate for a wide range of people, including:
- Older adults who need support with daily living but wish to remain in their own home
- Adults with physical disabilities who need help with personal care or mobility
- Adults with learning disabilities or neurodiversity who need support to live independently
- Adults with mental health conditions who benefit from regular, consistent support in their own environment
- People recovering from illness, surgery, or injury who need short term support during their recovery
- Adults with complex or long term health conditions who require ongoing clinical or personal care
How Is Domiciliary Care Funded?
Local Authority Funding: If you have eligible care needs under the Care Act 2014, your local authority may fund some or all of your domiciliary care through a needs assessment and financial means test.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC): If your care needs are primarily health-related and meet the CHC threshold, your care may be fully funded by the NHS — this is not means-tested.
Self Funding: If you do not qualify for local authority or NHS funding, you can arrange and pay for domiciliary care privately using savings, property assets, or long term care insurance.
Direct Payments: If you are eligible for local authority funding, you may be able to receive a direct payment, a cash payment that gives you greater control over who provides your care and how it is delivered.
What to Look for in a Domiciliary Care Provider
When choosing a provider, look for CQC registration and a Good or Outstanding rating, experience with your specific needs, consistency of care workers, clear communication and reporting practices, and flexibility to adjust support as needs change over time.
Domiciliary Care vs. Supported Living: What's the Difference?
Domiciliary care is provided in a home the individual already owns or rents. Supported Living involves the individual moving into accommodation arranged as part of the care package — typically a self-contained flat or shared property — with support provided on site. Both models support independence in the community, but they suit different circumstances.
McLaren Healthcare's Domiciliary Care Service
McLaren Healthcare provides domiciliary care for adults with complex needs across London and the UK. Our care workers are trained, DBS-checked, and supported through regular supervision and continuing professional development.
We work with individuals, families, social workers, and commissioners to design a care package that genuinely meets the individual's needs, committed to consistency, quality, and a person centred approach. Contact us at [email protected] to arrange an initial conversation with no obligation.