When it comes to providing care, the terms ‘carer’ and ‘domiciliary carer‘ are often used interchangeably in the UK. However, there are significant differences in their roles, responsibilities, and the nature of the care they provide.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone looking to pursue a career in caregiving or for families considering what type of care is best for their loved ones. Here, we’ll cover the main difference between a domiciliary care worker and a care worker.
What is Domiciliary Care?
Domiciliary care, also called home care, consists of a range of services designed to help people in the comfort of their homes. You can think of it as a helping hand that assists with all of the day-to-day activities that people who require additional help may need support with.
As a professional who provides domiciliary care, you would be delivering a range of services to people from all walks of life. The goal is to maintain and improve the quality of life as patients age or struggle with pre-existing conditions. The idea is to promote a sense of independence and improve the self-confidence of people who want to live at home, as opposed to moving into a residential care facility.
Domiciliary care is an ongoing form of support that focuses on meeting needs and sustainably supporting daily routines. Any regular daily or weekly task that someone needs assistance with would fall under the category of domiciliary care.
Who is Domiciliary Care For?
Domiciliary care is for anyone who wants to maintain their independence by living at home. Common conditions people may be living with include dementia and multiple sclerosis, as well as people who are recovering from major surgery.
Others have mobility issues that can make it difficult for them to get around the house. By choosing to receive domiciliary care at home, they are able to maintain a sense of normality and a good quality of life.
Important Disclaimer
Different organisations may define domiciliary care in various ways. At Surewise, we classify domiciliary carers as those who provide non-physical support only. This means our Domiciliary Care policy does not include hands-on care or medication administration.
If your role involves physical care or giving medication, please check our other Carer Insurance options which are specifically designed for these duties.
What Are a Domiciliary Carer’s Main Responsibilities?
Domiciliary carers, offer similar support to carers however they are not required to perfom healthcare tasks or hands on care.
This type of care is tailored to meet the individual needs of people who prefer to stay in their own environment but need some extra support. Key responsibilities include:
- Providing tailored support that promotes independence.
- Offering companionship and support with social engagements.
- Performing household duties that the individual may struggle with.
- Preparing meals and food shopping.
- Walking or feeding any pets.
It’s important to note that under our domiciliary care insurance, personal touch-related tasks are not covered. So if you are assisting your client with personal care by directly touching them (i.e. bathing, assisting them in and out of the bathroom, etc), you may need a different care workers insurance policy.
Domiciliary Care Insurance
Cover available for:
- Public Liability up to £5m
- Loss or Damage to Property
- Accidental Injury & Legal Expenses
- No Hidden Fees, No Excess
What Are a Carer’s Main Responsibilities?
In comparison, carers, also known as care assistants or care workers, primarily support individuals with their daily activities, ensuring their well-being and comfort. Their responsibilities can vary widely depending on the needs of the person they are caring for but typically include:
- Assisting with personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing, and toileting.
- Helping with mobility, including transfers and using aids.
- Providing companionship and emotional support.
- Administering medication and monitoring health conditions.
- Assisting with household tasks like cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation.
- Facilitating social activities and appointments.
Carers can work in various settings, including residential care homes, nursing homes, and day centres as well as the private home of the person they care for.
Domiciliary Care vs Regular care
The main difference between domiciliary care and regular care is that domiciliary carers are not permitted to perform healthcare tasks or hands on care. A domiciliary carer is more similar to a companion and is best suited to an individual who struggles to keep up with the daily tasks of running a home. However, they are independent enough to not need to go into a residential care facility.
Sometimes letting a new face through the front door can be daunting for a patient, but a personable nature and warm approach will make all the difference. These soft skills can be supplemented with a range of qualifications.
| Carers | Domiciliary Carers |
|---|---|
| Carers can work in either care homes, communal living environments or the private home of the person they care for | Domiciliary carers will often work in the private home of the person(s) they care for but they can also work in communal living areas |
| Carers’ responsibilities may extend to healthcare tasks such as administering medication | Domiciliary care places a stronger emphasis on companionship, as clients may be more isolated or independent than those in residential care |
| A carers scope of work can be varied, from accompanying clients to appointments to personal care assistance and helping with medical tasks | A domiciliary carer’s responsibilities will not include any hands-on care, such as lifting and personal care. |
| A carer would be required to carry out healthcare tasks such as administering medication or changing a dressing. | Domiciliary carers are also not insured to administer medication or provide healthcare-related tasks. |
Things To Consider When Deciding Between Being A Carer vs Domiciliary Carer
Training & Qualifications
For both care workers and domiciliary carer roles, there usually aren’t any requirements to have academic qualifications such as degrees, A-Levels or GCSEs.
However, having an NVQ in Health and Social Care (levels 2 and 3) as well as first aid training are seen as preferable qualifications to have for both roles – but particularly care workers who may need additional training in manual handling and personal care.
Insurance
Our Domiciliary Care Insurance is ideal if you provide non-medical support and are not required to provide hands on care or medication administration. If you do either of these things in your role as a carer, then you will need a more comprehensive carers insurance policy to ensure you are fully covered. We recommend our Self Employed Carers Insurance instead.
It’s essential to ensure that your insurance policy mirrors your role accurately. Multiple care insurance policies are available, each sculpted for varied care scenarios, so taking the time to choose the one that aligns perfectly with your duties is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a domiciliary carer?
Many carers choose to specialise in domiciliary care and study for an NVQ 3 Health & Social Care qualification. Domiciliary care is a career pathway that is sought after and available in every part of the UK.
Are domiciliary carers self-employed?
Many domiciliary carers choose to be self-employed because of the flexibility it gives them. If you choose to go self-employed, it is essential to have the correct insurance in place. We do also offer insurance polices for employed domiciliary carers.
What do patients look for when hiring a domiciliary carer?
A kind, compassionate, and understanding nature combined with a willingness to be flexible and solve problems efficiently. If you can be caring and thoughtful even when tired or under stress, a career as a domiciliary carer could be perfect for you.
