When deciding on care options for loved ones, it’s essential to understand the differences between domiciliary care and live-in care, both of which provide valuable support to individuals who wish to remain in the comfort of their own homes.
What is Domiciliary Care?
Domiciliary care, sometimes known as hourly care, offers extra help with personal care or household tasks, ensuring that individuals can continue to live safely in their own homes. This form of care is especially beneficial for people who need assistance but do not require full-time supervision. A domiciliary care worker visits the client for an agreed number of hours to provide tailored support. This could include tasks such as:
Personal care (e.g., dressing and bathing)
Meal preparation
Administering medication
Running errands
Light housekeeping
Providing companionship
Domiciliary care is suitable for a wide range of people, including those with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or temporary care needs after surgery. It supports people of all ages, from children to the elderly, allowing them to maintain their independence and routine.
What is Live-In Care?
In contrast, live-in care provides 24/7 support, where a trained carer resides in the client’s home. This is particularly suitable for individuals who need constant care or more comprehensive support. The carer becomes part of the daily life of the individual, ensuring safety and companionship at all times. Live-in care offers similar services to domiciliary care but with more consistent and responsive attention. The benefits include:
One-to-one care, which promotes better health outcomes
Proactive and immediate support, available at all hours
Often more cost-effective than residential care, particularly for couples
Live-in care enables individuals to remain in familiar surroundings, offering peace of mind to both the client and their families.
How is Domiciliary Care Different from Live-In Care?
The primary distinction between these two forms of care lies in the level of support and availability. Domiciliary care involves carers visiting for set periods, providing assistance during specific times of the day, while live-in care involves round-the-clock support, with the carer always on hand. While both services promote independence and dignity, live-in care is a better option for those who require continuous assistance, whereas domiciliary care is suited for those with lower care needs.
Why Choose ENA Care Group?
As a leading provider of live-in care for over 30 years, ENA Care Group is committed to delivering personalised, compassionate care. We take pride in offering a full-management service, handling everything from carer recruitment and training to day-to-day care administration. Our goal is to alleviate the burden on families, providing peace of mind with 24/7 support and personalised care plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
If you're considering care options for yourself or a loved one, live-in care offers a practical and often more affordable alternative to residential care, providing continuous, one-on-one support in the comfort of home.
For more information about our services, contact us today. We're here to help you find the right solution for your family’s needs.
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