What is home care? A guide to domiciliary care in the UK

2024-10-08

Home care – also called domiciliary care – is a service that helps people live independently at home. It covers everything from personal care such as washing and dressing to practical support with cleaning, shopping and meals, and is arranged through your local council under the Care Act 2014.

Home care – also known as domiciliary care or social care – is a support service that helps people live independently in their own home. It is provided by trained care workers and is designed for older people, those with disabilities, or anyone who temporarily needs additional support. Here we explain what home care involves, what it includes and how to access it.

What is home care in the UK?

Home care in the UK is a service provided by local council adult social care departments or by private care agencies. Under the Care Act 2014, local authorities have a duty to assess the needs of anyone who appears to require care and support, and to arrange services if the person meets the eligibility criteria.

Home care is distinct from NHS healthcare. While NHS community nurses and district nurses provide clinical care at home, home care refers to personal care and practical support provided by social care workers (1).

Home care services typically fall into two categories:

  • Personal care – help with washing, dressing, getting in and out of bed, toileting and medication
  • Domestic support – help with cleaning, shopping, cooking and laundry

Who can get home care?

In England, eligibility for council-funded home care is assessed under the Care Act 2014 national eligibility criteria. To be eligible, the person must have needs arising from a physical or mental impairment or illness, and those needs must have a significant impact on their wellbeing.

You may be eligible for home care if you:

  • are an older person who needs help with daily tasks
  • have a disability or long-term health condition
  • are recovering from a stay in hospital
  • have dementia or cognitive decline

A care needs assessment is free and anyone can request one from their local council, regardless of income or savings.

What does home care include?

Personal care can include:

  • help getting up, washing, bathing and dressing
  • medication support
  • help with eating and drinking
  • continence care

Practical support can include:

  • cleaning and laundry
  • shopping and meal preparation
  • companionship visits
  • help with correspondence and appointments

Will I have to pay for home care?

If a care needs assessment finds that you have eligible needs, the council will carry out a financial assessment to determine whether you are entitled to help with costs.

If you have capital (savings and assets excluding your home) above £23,250, you are generally expected to fund your own care. If your capital is below this threshold, the council may contribute to your care costs on a means-tested basis.

If you do not qualify for council funding, you can arrange and pay for home care yourself – this is known as self-funding. Many providers offer both council-commissioned and privately arranged care.

How to apply for home care

  1. Contact your local council’s adult social care department and request a care needs assessment
  2. A social worker or care assessor will visit you at home or speak with you by phone
  3. If you have eligible needs, a care plan is drawn up
  4. The council carries out a financial assessment to determine any contribution
  5. If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to request a review or complain through the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman

Private alternative – a personal alarm without home care

Many people supplement council-arranged care with a private personal alarm that works outdoors and includes GPS tracking. Council community alarms typically only work indoors. A private alarm can be ordered without a needs assessment and delivered directly to your home.

 

READ ABOUT HOW SENSOREM’S PERSONAL ALARM CAN INCREASE SAFETY AND INDEPENDENCE AT HOME

More about home care in the UK

Read more in our guides: What does full home care mean? – How much does home care cost? – How to choose home care – Personal alarm and home care – Safety for home care workers

References