What does domiciliary care include?

Domiciliary care includes personal care (washing, dressing, medication management), household support (cleaning, shopping, meal preparation), and specialist medical services such as nursing care. Services are tailored to individual needs and can range from hourly visits to 24-hour live-in care.

Who provides domiciliary care services?

Domiciliary care services are provided by trained care workers, support workers, and registered nurses employed by CQC-registered agencies. All providers must undergo DBS checks and receive ongoing training to ensure quality care delivery.

Is domiciliary care the same as live-in care?

No, domiciliary care includes various service levels from hourly visits to full-time support. Live-in care is a specific type of domiciliary care where a carer stays overnight in the home, providing 24-hour support and companionship.

How much do domiciliary care services cost?

Domiciliary care costs vary significantly based on the level of care required, hours needed, and complexity of individual needs. We provide personalised cost assessments during consultation to ensure transparent pricing tailored to your specific requirements.

What are the benefits of domiciliary care?

Domiciliary care allows people to remain in familiar surroundings whilst receiving professional support. Benefits include personalised care plans, maintained independence, family involvement, and often cost savings compared to residential care facilities.

How quickly can domiciliary care start?

Emergency domiciliary care can start within 24-48 hours, whilst planned care typically begins within 1-2 weeks after assessment. Many providers offer rapid response services for urgent needs following hospital discharge.

What Is Domiciliary Care? A Guide to Services, Benefits & Choosing the Right Support

Domiciliary care, also known as care at home, refers to a range of services that provide support to individuals in their own homes. These domiciliary care services enable them to maintain independence and quality of life. This type of care can encompass various needs, from assistance with personal care and household tasks to more specialised medical support.

Our domiciliary care services in London are tailored to meet individual needs and can be delivered on a part-time or full-time basis, offering flexible home-based care solutions for families seeking support.

In this guide, we’ll explain what domiciliary care is, how it works, who it’s for, and how to choose the right service.

What Is Domiciliary Care?

Domiciliary care means receiving care and support at home rather than in a hospital or residential facility. It includes assistance with daily activities (like washing, dressing, or meal preparation) and medical services such as nursing or medication management—tailored to individual needs.

Understanding Domiciliary Care Definition

Domiciliary care is professional care and support provided in a person’s own home by trained carers and nurses. It allows individuals to maintain their independence whilst receiving assistance with daily living activities, medical care, and companionship. This home-based care approach is particularly popular in London, where high-quality domiciliary care teams provide flexible support across all boroughs.

Quick Summary:

Definition: Care services delivered in the person’s own home
Regulation: All providers must be CQC-registered in England
Coverage: Available across all London boroughs and surrounding areas
Types: From basic personal care to complex 24-hour nursing

In London, domiciliary care has become increasingly popular among families seeking to keep their loved ones comfortable at home whilst ensuring they receive professional care. This type of care is particularly beneficial in London’s diverse communities, where cultural sensitivity and personalised attention are paramount.

Why Choose Domiciliary Care?

Opting for care at home is a decision that comes with significant advantages:

Personalisation: The care plan can be tailored specifically to the individual’s needs, promoting better outcomes and higher satisfaction.
Comfort and Familiarity: Staying at home means retaining a sense of normalcy and comfort, which is especially beneficial for individuals with degenerative conditions like dementia.
Flexibility: Unlike residential care, domiciliary services can be adjusted to fit around the individual’s lifestyle and schedule, offering as much or as little help as required.
Family Involvement: Family members can be more involved in the care process, providing emotional support and maintaining strong personal connections.

How Domiciliary Care Services Work in Practice

Domiciliary care services are broad and varied, allowing for a comprehensive approach to each unique situation:

Assessment of Needs: Everything starts with a detailed assessment by healthcare professionals to determine the level of care required.
Care Planning: A personalised care plan is developed, often in collaboration with the individual’s family and healthcare providers.
Service Delivery: Skilled carers are matched with individuals based on care needs, personality, and preferences for daily routines.

Regulation and Standards: All domiciliary care providers in England must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which rates services as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate. Additionally, many providers work closely with local NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and Adult Social Services to ensure integrated care pathways.

Key UK Standards Include:

CQC registration and regular inspections
DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks for all carers
Compliance with Health and Social Care Act 2008
Adult safeguarding procedures
Data protection under UK GDPR

Domiciliary Care Costs in London

One of the most common questions families ask is about the cost of domiciliary care in London. Costs typically vary based on:

Level of care required (basic assistance vs. complex medical care)
Hours of care needed (hourly visits vs. 24-hour care)
Location within London (central London tends to be more expensive)
Specialist requirements (dementia care, post-operative care, etc.)

Many families find that domiciliary care is more cost-effective than residential care homes, especially when considering the comfort and quality of life benefits. Costs vary significantly based on individual needs and complexity of care required.

NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding: Some individuals may be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare funding, which can cover the full cost of domiciliary care. This is particularly relevant for those with complex medical needs. It’s worth discussing this option with your GP or local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

For a personalised cost assessment, contact our care team who can provide detailed pricing based on your specific needs.

💡 Looking for bespoke domiciliary care in London? Explore how our nurse-led team delivers flexible home care support tailored to your needs. Get a free consultation or call 020 3993 0559.

Types of Domiciliary Care Services Available in London

Domiciliary care encompasses a wide range of services tailored to meet diverse needs:

Personal Care Services

Assistance with washing, bathing, and dressing
Help with mobility and transfers
Medication management and reminders
Meal preparation and feeding assistance

Household Support

Light housekeeping and laundry
Shopping and errands
Companionship and social interaction
Transport to appointments

Specialist Medical Care

24-hour nursing care for complex medical needs
Post-operative recovery support
Dementia and Alzheimer’s care
End-of-life care and palliative support

How to Choose the Right Domiciliary Care Provider

When it comes to selecting domiciliary care for a loved one, the decision can seem daunting. Here are some pointers to guide you through the process:

Understand the Needs: Clearly define what kind of help is needed—whether it’s help with household tasks, personal care, or medical needs.
Research Providers: Look into the history and reputation of care providers. Reviews and testimonials can offer insights into the experiences of others.
Check Accreditations: Ensure the provider is properly accredited and adheres to the regulations governing healthcare services.
Involve the Care Recipient: Make sure to involve the person who will be receiving the care in the decision-making process to ensure their comfort and approval.
Local Experience: Choose a provider with extensive experience in London who understands the local healthcare landscape and community needs.

Areas We Serve: Domiciliary Care Across All London Boroughs

HP Homecare provides professional domiciliary care services throughout Greater London, including:

Central London

Westminster - Covering Belgravia, Mayfair, and Victoria areas
City of London - Supporting residents in the financial district
Camden - Including Hampstead, Bloomsbury, and King’s Cross

West London

Kensington and Chelsea - Premium care in South Kensington, Chelsea, and Notting Hill
Hammersmith and Fulham - Comprehensive home care across all postcodes
Ealing - Serving Acton, Ealing Broadway, and surrounding areas
Hounslow - Including Chiswick, Brentford, and near Heathrow

North London

Barnet - High-quality care in Finchley, Golders Green, and Barnet
Enfield - Supporting families across all EN postcodes
Haringey - Covering Muswell Hill, Crouch End, and Tottenham

South London

Wandsworth - Including Putney, Clapham, and Battersea areas
Lambeth - Professional care in Brixton, Vauxhall, and Waterloo
Croydon - Comprehensive domiciliary services throughout CR postcodes
Richmond upon Thames - Premium care in Richmond, Twickenham, and Kew

East London

Tower Hamlets - Serving Canary Wharf, Bethnal Green, and Whitechapel
Newham - Quality care across Stratford, East Ham, and surrounding areas

We also serve the surrounding counties including parts of Surrey, Hertfordshire, and Essex where they border London.

Getting Started with Domiciliary Care in London

If you’re considering domiciliary care for yourself or a loved one in London, the first step is typically a free care assessment. This evaluation helps determine:

The level of care required
Specific support needs and preferences
Suitable care schedules and timing
Budget considerations and funding options

Professional Domiciliary Care in London with HP Homecare

At HP Homecare, we specialise in providing exceptional domiciliary care services across London. Our CQC-registered service has been supporting London families for over 20 years, and we understand the unique needs of London’s diverse communities. We offer:

CQC-regulated services with consistently high ratings
NHS continuing healthcare expertise - helping families navigate funding options
Personalised care plans developed with NHS discharge teams where applicable
DBS-checked, experienced carers matched to your cultural and care preferences
24/7 clinical support with registered nurses available around the clock
Multi-lingual care teams reflecting London’s diverse population
Private health insurance acceptance working with all major UK insurers
Rapid response services for emergency and post-hospital discharge care

Receiving care in the comfort of one’s home can lead to enhanced life quality and improved health outcomes. The personalised aspects of domiciliary care make it an optimal choice for many who wish to maintain their independence while receiving the necessary support.

Domiciliary Care FAQs

Our comprehensive FAQ section above covers the most common questions about domiciliary care services, costs, and providers. For specific questions about home-based care in London, please don’t hesitate to contact our expert team.

Ready to explore domiciliary care options? Contact our care team today for a free consultation and personalised care assessment. Our experts can guide you through the process and help you make the best decision for your family’s needs.

Call us on 020 3993 0559 or book a consultation online to get started.

Related Services: 24-Hour Care | Cancer Care | Dementia Care | Post-Operative Care | End-of-Life Care