Care services differences at glance

Visiting/Domiciliary Care

Carers visit in the comfort of your own home, from 30 minutes a visit, with a minimum of 1 hour a week.
Support with medication (ordering and collection), personal care, light domestic tasks, or shopping.
Carers can assist you with pet care during daily visits; you choose for how long and when.
Carers can help prepare simple and healthy meals and drinks and assist with shopping depending on the length of the visit.
Carers can accompany you to attend hospital appointments, get your jab, or visit the theatre, cinema, church, and more.
Cost-effective as you choose the number of hours per week and/or day. The minimum is 1 hour a week. Live-in care may be more cost-effective for extended hours during the day.
The carer visits you for the agreed and planned time; it is not designed to be an emergency service.

The live-in carer lives in your home and supports you with all aspects of personal care, medication management, light domestic tasks, and shopping. They also have time for activities like playing Scrabble or puzzles. A minimum of 1 week of care (respite care) to ongoing care is available.
Carers can support pet care, including veterinary visits, walks, and more, at no additional cost.
Carers can help prepare healthy and nutritious meals tailored to your needs, cooking from scratch for all main meals and snacks. They can also assist with shopping, whether online or in-store.
Carers can organise and support a range of activities tailored to your wishes and preferences, including outings, day trips, social interactions, or taking you on holiday within the UK or abroad.
Various cost levels are available depending on your needs. This option is cost-effective for couples or if you require or prefer more care hours.
The live-in carer can attend to emergencies throughout the day, except during their 2-hour break.
The live-in carer requires their own bedroom, TV, WiFi access, and three meals a day or a food allowance. They are also entitled to a 14-hour break per week when they can leave your home.
The live-in carer can drive your car, but you must ensure they are added to your insurance policy.

Care homes provide a real sense of security, with some allowing you to bring your furniture. Personal care and medication administration are available, along with access to round-the-clock care.
Some care homes allow you to bring your pets with you.
Care homes provide all meals during the day. Meal choices may be restricted to a set weekly menu, although some offer a restaurant-like dining experience for all meals.
Care homes offer mostly group activities and social events, often seeking suggestions and feedback from their residents.
Care homes are designed with safety in mind, featuring adaptations to prevent falls and improve accessibility. Some offer luxury accommodations and living experiences.
A team of carers (or nurses in nursing homes) is available to attend to planned activities and emergencies.
Some care homes are furnished, which may feel clinical and less homely. A team of day and night carers provides care to all residents.
Outgoing activities may have limited spaces, especially if transport is required.