Home Care vs Residential Care: Which Is Right for Your Loved One?
When it comes to supporting Mum or Dad, families often face one of the hardest questions of all: should they stay at home with care, or move into residential care?
It’s a decision that can feel overwhelming. There are practical considerations like cost and safety — but also emotional ones: independence, dignity, and happiness. Most older people say they want to remain in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible, surrounded by familiar routines, neighbours, and memories.
But is home care always the right choice? And what about the risks if it isn’t done well? Let’s look at the differences, what the research says, and why continuity of care makes all the difference.
What Is Home Care?
Home care (sometimes called domiciliary care) means professional carers visit your loved one in their own home. This might be just a few hours a week for companionship, support with meals, or help with shopping — or daily visits for personal care and medication.
Some providers also offer live-in care, where a carer stays in the home 24/7. While not always necessary, studies show the benefits of consistent, one-to-one support in familiar surroundings.
Benefits of Home Care
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Staying in familiar surroundings with treasured possessions and routines
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Flexible hours — from occasional visits to regular daily support
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One-to-one attention from a carer who knows your loved one well
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Preserving independence for longer
The main challenges are that the home may need some adaptations for safety (like grab rails or stairlifts), and round-the-clock support isn’t provided unless live-in care is chosen.
What Is Residential Care?
Residential care means moving into a care home, where staff are on hand day and night. This can be reassuring for families who want constant presence and a built-in community.
Benefits of Residential Care
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24/7 access to staff support
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Structured routines with meals, activities, and housekeeping
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Opportunities for social interaction with other residents
Challenges of Residential Care
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Loss of independence and privacy
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Adjustment to new surroundings, away from familiar comforts
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Higher costs, since accommodation and care are bundled together
What the Research Says
Studies comparing home care and residential care reveal some striking insights:
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Safety: Older people receiving live-in home care are nearly one-third less likely to suffer a fall and half as likely to experience a hip fracture compared to those in residential care.
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Mortality and hospitalisation: A 2023 review in PLOS ONE found residential care residents often face higher mortality and hospitalisation rates than those living at home.
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Wellbeing: A recent review found home care can reduce hospital admissions, slow functional decline in dementia, and improve quality of life.
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Cost-effectiveness: International studies consistently show home care is more affordable overall than residential care, especially when tailored to the hours needed.
While some evidence suggests residential care residents may report slightly higher happiness due to social opportunities, most older adults — and their families — still express a strong preference to remain at home as long as possible.
When Home Care Falls Short
Done properly, domiciliary care provides safety, independence, and dignity in the place people love most: their own home. But not all home care is the same.
The times when families experience poor outcomes are often when providers rely heavily on agency or temporary staff.
Problems with Agency Staff in Home Care
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No continuity: Different faces turning up each week means older people never get the chance to build trust.
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Task-focused care: Agency carers may be pushed for time, with visits that feel rushed and impersonal.
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Communication gaps: With staff constantly changing, small but important details about routines and preferences are easily missed.
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Low morale: Agency workers are often underpaid and under-supported, which can affect the quality of care delivered.
Why Visiting Angels Is Different
This is why Visiting Angels doesn’t hire agency staff. We only employ our own carers — people we carefully select, train, and support. By putting carers first, we ensure stability and consistency for families.
Our clients see familiar, recognisable faces they know and trust. In fact, our carers don’t need uniforms to be identified — they’re welcomed in like friends, not strangers.
This consistency doesn’t just feel better — it delivers better outcomes. Families tell us time and again that their parents look forward to visits, build real relationships, and feel more at ease with care in their own home.
Emotional Considerations
Care isn’t just about safety or tasks — it’s about how your loved one feels. Moving into residential care can provide new social opportunities, but it can also mean a painful loss of independence.
Home care allows people to stay close to their memories, neighbours, pets, and community. And when care is delivered by familiar carers who feel like friends, the emotional impact is profound. Families often tell us that care with Visiting Angels feels less like a service, and more like a bond.
Costs and Practicalities
Residential care usually involves a fixed weekly or monthly fee, covering both accommodation and care. This can be significant.
Home care is often more flexible and affordable, since families pay only for the hours of support needed. Some financial help may also be available, such as Attendance Allowance or local council contributions.
A Balanced View
Residential care may be the best choice for those with very complex needs who require constant oversight. But for many older adults, home care provides the right balance of independence, safety, and dignity.
Why Families Choose Visiting Angels
At Visiting Angels, we believe the best care starts with the carers themselves. By supporting and valuing our team, we ensure stability, continuity, and genuine relationships with the people they support.
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No agency staff
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Carers who are known, consistent, and recognisable — no uniforms needed
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Care that feels personal, flexible, and dignified
