What is Domiciliary Care/Home Care? How do we deliver it?

Domiciliary care, also known as home care, is a type of care service provided to individuals who require assistance and support with daily activities but prefer to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. Domiciliary care enables individuals to maintain their independence, preserve their routines, and receive personalised care tailored to their specific needs. In domiciliary care, care is delivered directly to the individual’s home by trained carers. The care can be provided on a regular basis, ranging from a few hours per week to 24-hour care, depending on the individual’s requirements. The frequency and duration of visits can vary based on the individual’s needs, ranging from short visits several times a week to longer visits or even live-in care for individuals requiring round-the-clock support. This is a popular type of care for the elderly as well as young ones affected by disabilities or illness as they can continue to stay in their own home and have full control of their life.

• Assessment: A thorough assessment is conducted by a care manager or a qualified professional to understand the individual’s needs, preferences, and goals. This assessment helps in creating a personalized care plan that addresses specific requirements.
• Care Planning: Based on the assessment, a care plan is developed in collaboration with the individual, their family, and any other involved parties. The care plan outlines the specific tasks, activities, and support needed to meet the individual’s daily living requirements.
• Personal Care: Domiciliary care covers a wide range of personal care tasks, including assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility support. Caregivers provide one-on-one assistance, ensuring the individual’s personal care needs are met with dignity and respect.
• Medication Management: Caregivers can support individuals in managing their medications, ensuring that they take the right medication at the prescribed times. This may involve administering medications, organizing pillboxes, and maintaining accurate medication records.
• Household Support: Domiciliary care may include help with light housekeeping tasks, such as cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and grocery shopping. Caregivers assist with maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment for the individual.

• Companionship and Emotional Support: Caregivers provide companionship and emotional support, engaging in conversation, participating in activities, and offering social interaction. This helps combat loneliness and promotes overall well-being.
• Health Monitoring: Caregivers can assist with monitoring the individual’s health condition, such as recording vital signs, reporting any changes in health status to healthcare professionals, and ensuring follow-up appointments are attended.
• Respite Care: Domiciliary care can also provide respite for family caregivers. Respite care offers temporary relief to family members who are the primary caregivers, allowing them to take breaks, tend to their own needs, or attend to other responsibilities.