When care needs increase, one of the most important decisions for older adults and their families is whether to stay at home with professional help or move into a residential care environment. Both domiciliary care and residential care provide valuable support, but they differ significantly in cost, lifestyle, flexibility, and level of independence.
This guide explains the main differences between the two, helping you identify which type of care best suits your situation, preferences, and budget.
What Is Domiciliary Care?
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Domiciliary care, often called home care, involves trained carers visiting your home to assist with daily living tasks. It allows individuals to maintain independence in familiar surroundings while receiving personalised support.
Typical services include:
- Personal care (washing, dressing, toileting)
- Medication reminders
- Meal preparation
- Companionship
- Housekeeping and domestic help
- Overnight or live-in support (if required)
This option suits people who value staying at home and whose needs can be safely managed within that environment.
What Is Residential Care?
Residential care means living full-time in a care facility designed to provide accommodation, meals, personal care, and supervision. Staff are available 24/7, and some homes also include nursing care for residents with complex medical needs.
It can be a good option for those who:
- Require constant supervision
- Feel isolated living alone
- Have health conditions needing regular monitoring
- Would benefit from a structured daily routine and community environment
Comparison Table: Domiciliary vs Residential Care
| Criteria | Domiciliary Care | Residential Care |
|---|---|---|
| Location | In your own home. | In a care facility. |
| Independence | High — you keep control of routines and environment. | Moderate — structured environment with shared spaces. |
| Support Level | Personal care, companionship, domestic help. | 24-hour supervision, meals, and medical care if needed. |
| Social Interaction | Depends on home visits and community links. | Regular group activities and social environment. |
| Cost | Usually lower overall; based on hours of care received. | Higher, covering accommodation and continuous care. |
| Suitability | Best for those needing moderate, flexible support. | Best for those requiring constant assistance or monitoring. |
How to Choose Between the Two
1. Assess Your Care Needs
If you only need help with daily tasks or companionship, domiciliary care is likely sufficient. If safety or medical needs are a concern, residential care may be more suitable.
2. Consider Emotional and Social Wellbeing
Remaining at home may offer emotional comfort, while residential care can reduce isolation through community life.
3. Evaluate Costs and Funding
Domiciliary care is paid hourly and can be more cost-effective. Residential care, however, includes full accommodation and 24-hour staff availability.
Funding support may be available through local council assessments or NHS Continuing Healthcare for those with significant health needs.
4. Involve Family in the Decision
Discuss preferences and expectations openly. The goal is to ensure comfort, dignity, and peace of mind for everyone involved.
Financial Support Options
Both types of care can be funded privately or through local authority contributions, depending on means-tested assessments.
Councils may provide home adaptations, carer support, or personal budgets to help cover costs.
For medical needs, NHS Continuing Healthcare may fully fund care in either setting if eligibility criteria are met.
FAQ – Optimised for Search
Is domiciliary care cheaper than residential care?
Yes. Home care is typically more affordable because you only pay for hours used, while residential care covers full-time accommodation and 24-hour staffing.
Can you switch from domiciliary care to residential care later?
Yes. Many people start with home support and move to residential care as needs increase.
Is domiciliary care suitable for people with dementia?
It can be, especially in early stages, but advanced dementia may require residential or nursing care for safety.
Who pays for domiciliary or residential care?
Costs can be covered privately, or partly funded by the local authority depending on income, assets, and care assessments.
Need help finding a care home?
Senior Home Plus offers free personalized guidance to help you find a care facility that suits your health needs, budget, and preferred location in the UK.
Call us at 0203 608 0055 to get expert assistance today.
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