Homecare (domiciliary care)
Understanding homecare: how it can support your independence
Homecare or domiciliary care is when a trained carer helps with everyday household tasks. This support helps people stay independent and improves their quality of life. The care is personalised to each person's needs at home.
A domiciliary care worker can provide support daily or weekly, depending on what the person needs. Sometimes, there is the option for 24-hour care, called live-in care.
Anyone can use domiciliary care at any time in their life, no matter their age or circumstance. Carers also provide respite care to family members and friends who need to take a break from the daily care of a loved one.
Domiciliary carers can help with a range of tasks, including:
- Personal care and hygiene
- Managing medications
- Shopping
- Companionship
- Moving around the home
- Household tasks and cooking
- Doctor visits
- Clinical care like catheter management
- Specialised care for health needs like dementia and end-of-life care
In the UK, carers can only give medications prescribed by a doctor, not over-the-counter medicines. They are not trained nurses, so if nursing care is needed, a qualified professional would be recommended.