There is an obvious demand for at-home care systems that help to support vulnerable people. But what has caused the rise in domiciliary care? And is it the better option for those in need?
In an ‘Overview of the UK homecare market’, the Homecare Association published that the homecare market was estimated to be worth around £11.5 billion in 2021-22. This estimate demonstrates domiciliary care is a hugely profitable and rapidly growing segment of the UK healthcare sector.
What are the factors behind the increased demand for domiciliary care?
Primarily, the UK’s increasing aging demographic. In 2022, there were around 12.7 million people aged 65 or over in the UK, making up 19% of the population (‘The UK’s changing population’, House of Commons Library). This number is only set to increase.
As a consequence of the aging population, hospitals and care homes become understaffed. This has led many people to prefer paid home care. As the imbalanced nurse-to-patient ratio results in care that is rushed and impersonal.
Secondly, thanks to new innovations in the medical industry you can access medical equipment from home. Meaning healthcare that would have meant a trip to the ER can now be administered in the comfort of your home.
Therefore, domiciliary care often means access to medical and personal support that is dependable and structured – making it an appealing option for those in vulnerable positions.
What comes under the umbrella of domiciliary care?
Domiciliary care offers flexible options, from short daily visits to 24-hour supervision, so it can meet a variety of needs and conditions.
Some of the services that come under the umbrella of domiciliary care are:
- Personal Care
This involves aided hygiene maintenance by ensuring the patient is clean, dressed and well groomed. As well as providing mobility support.
- Medication management
Remembering to take, or being able to prepare medication can be a struggle for vulnerable people. So having a carer or nurse ensure all necessary medication is prepared and taken accordingly is a big help.
- Meal Preparation
Making nutritional meals can be difficult. For example a person with mobility issues may struggle to get fresh ingredients or move around the kitchen. Meal preparation ensures patients are fed substantial meals without the stress.
- Social
Carers also provide companionship for patients whose families may live further away. Or perhaps, the patients are constrained to the house and feel isolated as a result.
- Household help
At home carers can aid with household chores, ensuring the resident’s living space stays hygienic and easy to move around, preventing any accidents.
Who is domiciliary care for?
Broadly, domiciliary care is for vulnerable people who need help with day-to-day responsibilities.
One of the advantages of at-home care is its flexibility. The idea of domiciliary care is that it is tailored to fit each specific patient. Personalised care plans are structured to adhere to their meals, medication, and rest times.
Compared to care homes, why is domiciliary care becoming so popularised?
- Maintaining autonomy
At home caring allows for the patient to retain a sense of normality and autonomy by remaining in their own space.
Moving to a care home can be disorientating and feel foreign to the patient, but domiciliary care means the patient can be in a safe and familiar space.
- Cost
Compared to care homes, domiciliary care is the more cost-effective option.
According to carehome.co.uk the average cost of living in a care home in the UK is £1298 a week. In comparison, domiciliary care is usually charged by the hour at around £30 (homecare.co.uk).
Hourly rates means the cost can be tailored to need, and is therefore more accessible to those on lower pensions or incomes.
- Flexibility
Domiciliary care is flexible with costs and patient needs, allowing for customization for each individual requiring care.
This makes it an easier and more accessible option than searching for a care home that fits the patient’s needs and budget.
For patients with deteriorating conditions, they may need different levels of care as time passes, and domiciliary care can be attuned to meet that level.
Safety and technology
One of the concerns with home care is the concern around monitoring and ensuring the safe dispensation of medication.
The Care Quality Commission helps ensure patients receive the right treatment. It protects vulnerable people and promotes proper care from nurses and medical workers.
Safety precautions such as custom and locking medicine cabinets help to ensure the safe dispensation of medication when at home.
Final thoughts
When prioritising flexibility, domiciliary care can be the perfect fit, as it provides a solution for people which is adjustable and accessible.
Between the UK’s ageing population, and fast, ongoing medical advancements, the domiciliary care sector is expected to grow rapidly. And there is no reason to question the demand for it. It’s safe to say domiciliary work represents the future of geriatric care in the UK.