Home help and domiciliary care are both services designed to assist individuals in their own homes, but they cater to different levels and types of needs. It can be tricky to understand the difference so here is a quick snapshot.
‘Home help’ is primarily focused on providing assistance with household tasks and day-to-day activities. Services typically include cleaning and tidying, laundry, ironing, grocery shopping, meal support and basic companionship. Often providers do not have a formal qualification or specialised training in healthcare, but are competent in assisting with housekeeping and companionship.
Domiciliary Care (or Home Care) is aimed at providing personal care and assistance with daily living activities, including more specialised care needs. Services typically include:
Personal care (e.g., bathing, dressing, grooming); assistance with mobility and transfers; medication management and administration; meal planning and preparation; basic health monitoring (e.g., checking blood pressure); supporting individuals with chronic conditions or disabilities.
Caregivers will have specialised training in personal care and healthcare support, and at agencies like Visiting Angels the caregivers will receive formal training in Dementia and Alzheimers. Mandatory refresher training is completed every twelve months so that all caregivers are up to date with best practice.
Domiciliary care companies in England must be registered by the Care Quality Commission and are subject to a rigorous reporting and audit framework to ensure that high standards are consistently met.
Understanding the distinction between home help and domiciliary care is crucial for selecting the appropriate support based on individual needs and conditions. If you would like to explore quality home care in Lytham St Annes, Blackpool, Poulton, Freckleton, Kirkham or Thornton-Cleveleys please call Visiting Angels Fylde Coast on 01253 834523 today.
