What Is Domiciliary Care? A Plain-English Guide

What does a domiciliary carer actually do?

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
• Medication: prompting, administering, ordering repeats
• 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.