As the ageing population continues to increase, domiciliary care is becoming a preferred option for elderly and disabled individuals who wish to remain in their homes. Domiciliary care is an important service that enables individuals to receive care and support within the comfort of their own homes.

Types of Domiciliary Care services

When it comes to domiciliary care, there are various types of care services available to meet the needs of older adults. Each type of care offers unique benefits to cater to different needs and requirements. Here are some common types of domiciliary care services;

• Live in care

  Live-in care is where a caregiver lives with the older adult in their home to provide round-the-clock care and support. The caregiver can assist with daily activities, such as cooking, cleaning, and personal care. This type of care is suitable for seniors who require full-time assistance and prefer to remain in their own home.
  
  

• Visiting Care
  

  Visiting care is a type of care where a caregiver visits the older adult's home for a specified period to provide care and support. The caregiver can assist with daily activities, such as medication management, personal care, and household chores. This type of care is suitable for seniors who are capable of living on their own but require some assistance during the day and want to remain in their own home.

• Night Care
  

  In night care a caregiver visits the older adult's home during the night to provide care and support. The caregiver can assist with tasks such as getting the senior to bed, providing nighttime medication, and responding to any emergencies that may arise during the night. This type of care is suitable for seniors who require additional assistance during the night to ensure their safety and well-being.
  
  

• Respite Care
  

  Respite care is a type of domiciliary care that provides temporary relief for family caregivers. A respite caregiver can visit the older adult's home to provide care and support for a few hours, a day, or a few days. This type of care is suitable for seniors who require intermittent assistance and for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving responsibilities.

Accessing Domiciliary Care services that are Subsidised

Domiciliary care is designed to help anyone who needs support with their daily activities, but who do not want to move into a care home. This can include people who have physical or mental health conditions, disabilities, or other care needs. In order to qualify for subsidised domiciliary care services, a person needs to be assessed by their local authority or the NHS.

The Assessment Process for Domiciliary Care

An assessment process is used to determine a person's care needs and whether domiciliary care is suitable for them. It is carried out by a healthcare professional, such as a nurse or social worker, who visits the person in their own home.

The assessment takes into account the person's ability to carry out daily activities, ability to move, health, medication, lifestyle, personal preference and care needs to make a recommendation about the level of care that the person needs. 

In case the care is provided directly by a private care service, the assessment is done by one of their trained care professional. 

Learn more about domiciliary care and how PCL Connect can augment Domiciliary care for you or your loved ones.

Choosing a Domiciliary Care Provider

When choosing a domiciliary care provider, it is important to take a number of factors into consideration to ensure that you find a provider that is right for you or your loved one. Here are some factors to consider:

• Reputation: Look for providers with a good reputation in the community. Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends, family, and healthcare professionals.
• Quality of care: Make sure the provider has high standards for care and can provide evidence of their quality of service. Check if they are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and ask about their training and hiring processes.
• Services provided: Different providers may offer different levels of care and services. Consider what services you or your loved one may need, such as personal care, medication management, or housekeeping.
• Flexibility: Consider how flexible the provider is with scheduling and changing services as needs evolve over time.
• Cost: Domiciliary care can be expensive, so it's important to consider the cost of services and any additional fees or charges that may be incurred.
• Location: Consider the provider's location and whether they can easily access your or your loved one's home.
• Communication: Look for providers that have good communication skills, are transparent about processes and responsive to questions or concerns.

When speaking with potential providers, here are some questions you may want to ask:

• What services do you offer and what is included in the cost?
• What are your policies for scheduling and making changes to care plans?
• What are your qualifications and experience in providing care?
• What training do your staff receive?
• How do you ensure quality of care?
• What is your process for addressing concerns or complaints?

There are also a number of online resources available for finding a domiciliary care provider, including the CQC website, which allows you to search for registered providers in your area. Additionally, many local councils have their own directories of approved providers. Taking the time to research and ask questions can help you find a provider that is a good fit for your needs.

Planning and Arranging Domiciliary Care

Domiciliary care is a flexible and personalised option for individuals who require support to live independently in their homes. Planning and arranging domiciliary care can be a confusing task, but it is crucial to ensure that the care provided meets the individual's needs and preferences. 

Creating a care plan

It is the most essential step in the process. This plan should consider factors such as the individual's physical and mental health, their daily routine, their personal goals, specific needs and preferences. The care plan is based on the initial assessment and developed in collaboration with the individual, their family, and their healthcare provider. The care plan should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it reflects the individual's changing needs.

Arranging for initial care

Once a care plan has been established, the next step is to arrange for initial care. This involves selecting a domiciliary care provider that can meet the individual's needs and preferences. When selecting a provider, it is essential to consider factors such as the provider's experience, qualifications or certifications. It is also essential to ensure that the provider is registered with the appropriate regulatory bodies and has the necessary insurance.

Ongoing communication and monitoring of care

Domiciliary care is an ongoing process that requires regular communication and monitoring to ensure that the care provided continues to meet the individual's needs and preferences. The domiciliary care provider should regularly communicate with the individual and their family to ensure that the care plan is working effectively. Regular reviews of the care plan should also be conducted to ensure that it continues to meet the individual's changing needs.

Domiciliary care can be life saving and life changing for those in need. Doing small day-to-day things that the rest of us take for granted can be challenging for some. Domiciliary care can help them feel confident and independent by providing valuable support everyday.