Care at home (domiciliary care)
Care at home, sometimes called domiciliary or home care, means carers visit you in your own home to help with things like washing, dressing, meals, medication and companionship. Visits can range from a short daily call to several visits a day.
Live-in care
A carer lives in your home and provides support as needed, day and night. This can be an alternative to moving into a care home for people who want to stay in familiar surroundings.
24-hour and waking night care
For higher levels of need, a team of carers can provide round-the-clock cover through planned shifts, including waking nights where someone needs to be awake and alert overnight.
Supported living
Supported living combines your own tenancy (so you have your own home) with care and support arranged separately. It's aimed at people who want more independence than a care home offers.
Residential and nursing care
Residential and nursing care homes provide accommodation and care together in one setting, including nursing care for people with ongoing health needs. This is different from home care and supported living, where housing and care are usually separate.
How to choose
The right option depends on your care needs, how much support you want with everyday tasks, your home, and your personal preferences about independence and surroundings. A needs assessment can help clarify what would suit you.
Common questions
What's the difference between home care and supported living?
Home care is support delivered in the home you already live in. Supported living involves moving into accommodation (with its own tenancy) designed with care and support arranged alongside it.
Can I mix different types of care?
Yes. For example, you might start with a few home care visits a week and increase this, or add respite care, as your needs change.