What is domiciliary care? Costs and how to arrange it
Domiciliary care — usually just called home care — is support delivered in your own home by a visiting carer. It's the most common way people get help while staying where they live, and it can range from a short morning call to several hours of support every day.
What domiciliary care covers
- Personal care — washing, dressing, toileting and mobility support
- Medication prompts and collecting prescriptions
- Preparing meals and help with eating
- Housework, laundry and shopping
- Companionship and getting out to appointments
- Overnight or waking-night support where needed
Visits are arranged at agreed times. Many people start with one short call a day and increase support as needs change.
What it costs
Hiring a carer directly typically costs around £15–£22 per hour. Agency rates usually run £25–£35 per hour because they include vetting, insurance, supervision and cover when your regular carer is off. London and the South East tend to sit above these ranges, and evenings, weekends and bank holidays usually cost more. Our private carer costs guide breaks the numbers down in detail.
Who pays for it
Start with a free care needs assessment from your local council (your Trust in Northern Ireland, or the HSE in Ireland). Depending on needs and finances you may qualify for a funded package or direct payments you can use to arrange care yourself. Attendance Allowance and NHS Continuing Healthcare are also worth checking. Many families self-fund some or all of their care — an assessment is still worthwhile because it clarifies what's actually needed.
Agency or independent carer?
An agency handles vetting, training, payroll and cover, and is regulated — by the CQC in England, the Care Inspectorate in Scotland, CIW in Wales, the RQIA in Northern Ireland, or HIQA in Ireland. Arranging care directly with an independent carer usually costs less and gives you continuity with one person you choose, but the checks and arrangements sit with you. Our vetting checklist covers what to ask for.
Finding a carer near you
Care works best when it's local — a carer twenty minutes away is far more reliable than one an hour away. On Care Connectors you search by UK outward postcode or Irish Eircode with a radius you choose, browse profiles free, and only pay a small fee when you want to unlock someone's contact details. If you're not sure which type of care you need, our comparison of home care options can help.
Common questions
What is domiciliary care?
Domiciliary care is care delivered in your own home by a visiting carer — anything from a short morning call to several hours a day. It covers personal care, medication prompts, meals, housework and companionship, and lets people stay in their own home rather than move into residential care.
How much does domiciliary care cost in the UK?
Directly hired carers typically charge around £15–£22 per hour, while agency rates usually run £25–£35 per hour because they include vetting, insurance and cover arrangements. Costs vary by region, level of need and timing — evenings, weekends and bank holidays often cost more.
Is domiciliary care the same as home care?
Yes — the two terms mean the same thing. 'Domiciliary care' is the formal term used by councils, regulators and providers; 'home care' is what most families call it. Both describe care workers visiting you at home.
Who pays for domiciliary care?
It depends on your needs and finances. Ask your local council for a free care needs assessment — you may qualify for a funded package or direct payments. Attendance Allowance and NHS Continuing Healthcare are also worth checking. Many families self-fund some or all of their care.
How do I find a domiciliary carer near me?
You can use a regulated agency, or search for independent carers directly. On Care Connectors you search by postcode or Eircode with a radius you choose, view profiles, and only pay a small fee when you want to unlock someone's contact details.
Find domiciliary care near you
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