Domiciliary care - sometimes called 'home care' or 'visiting care' - is regulated personal and practical support delivered in your own home by trained carers. Visits range from 30 minutes to several hours per day.
A domiciliary carer helps with the everyday tasks that have become difficult - but always in a way that keeps you in charge of your own routine. Visits are scheduled to suit you, not the agency.
Personal care: washing, dressing, continence support, toileting
Meals: preparation, encouragement to eat, food shopping
Mobility: transfers, walking support, hoisting where needed
Domestic: light housework, laundry, bed-changing
Companionship: conversation, escorted outings, GP appointments
How is domiciliary care different from live-in care?
Domiciliary care is visiting - a carer arrives, completes the agreed tasks, and leaves. Typical patterns are 30-60 minute visits, 1-4 times per day. Live-in care means a carer lives in your home 24/7 and provides continuous support.
For lower needs (one or two visits a day) domiciliary is far more cost-effective. Once you reach 4+ visits a day or need overnight support, live-in usually works out cheaper and gives much better continuity.
How much does domiciliary care cost?
Reedsfield's hourly rate starts at £22/hour. Evenings, weekends, Bank Holidays and night calls are charged at higher rates - we'll always give you the exact weekly total in writing before you commit.
How is it regulated?
All domiciliary providers in England must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and inspected. Reedsfield Care is CQC-rated Good. Our latest inspection report is available on our CQC report page.
Who pays for it
Some people pay privately, some receive help from the local authority after a means tested financial assessment, and some receive NHS Continuing Healthcare where needs are primarily health related. Attendance Allowance is not means tested and is worth applying for regardless of savings.
A council care needs assessment is free and you are entitled to one. Current rates and thresholds are published on gov.uk.
How to arrange domiciliary care
Call a registered provider and describe what is happening. A good one will visit at home, free of charge, look at the practical detail, meet the person and write a care plan you agree to before anything starts. Ask about the CQC rating, whether carers are employed rather than booked through an agency, whether you will see the same faces, and what the notice period is.
Reedsfield Care covers Egham, Virginia Water, Staines, Ashford, Sunbury and Shepperton for visiting care, and a wider area for live-in care.
Frequently asked questions
Is domiciliary care the same as home care?
Yes - the terms are interchangeable. 'Domiciliary' is the regulatory term used by the CQC; 'home care' is the everyday name.
What's the minimum visit length?
Reputable regulated providers avoid ultra-short visits so carers aren't rushed. Call us on 01784 740078 to discuss the visit length that suits your situation.
Can the NHS or council arrange it?
Yes - through a needs assessment by adult social services. You can also self-fund and arrange it directly, which is usually faster.
Do you cover overnight visits?
Yes - sleeping nights and waking nights are both available. For ongoing nightly support, live-in care often costs less.
When is live-in care better value than visits?
Roughly once you need more than six or seven hours of support a day, or once someone is no longer safe alone overnight. At that point one live-in carer is usually the more sensible option.
Can I change my mind?
Yes. Notice with us is one week, and you can increase or reduce the hours as needs change.
