Visiting home care means a care worker comes to your parent’s home at agreed times to help with the things they find hard. It might be a short morning call or several visits a day. We can match you with a CQC-registered agency near you.
Find visiting home care near you
Visiting home care
Visiting home care is sometimes called domiciliary care, which simply means care given in someone’s own home. Care workers from an agency call at set times, help with what is in the care plan, and then leave until the next visit.
Visits can be short and focused, such as help getting up and dressed, or longer, such as help with lunch and some time out. You can start with a little support and add more as needs change.
It works well when your parent can manage safely on their own between visits, but needs a hand with certain parts of the day.
“Care workers visit at set times, from short calls to several hours a day.”
Hattie’s short versionEvery care plan is different. These are the things carers most often help with.
Is it right for you?
What usually happens once an agency gets in touch.
An agency will visit to assess what your parent needs and when. They will ask about daily routines, health, mobility and what your parent would like help with, and agree visit times that fit.
They then write a care plan that sets out what happens at each visit. Ask if you can meet the care workers who will visit most often, and how the agency keeps the same faces where possible.
Once visits begin, care workers keep notes and the agency reviews the plan regularly. If visit times or tasks need to change, you can ask the agency to update the plan.
Costs and funding
Visiting home care is usually charged by the hour, and the price depends on visit length, time of day and where you live. Our cost guide explains what affects the price, and the calculator helps you estimate it. Care may be paid for from savings, by the council after a needs and financial assessment, or by the NHS in some cases.
Choose your region to see registered agencies and visiting home care in your council area.
It is another name for care given in someone’s own home. Visiting home care and domiciliary care mean the same thing.
You can ask for the times that suit your parent. Agencies will try to fit them in, though busy times like early mornings can be harder to get, so ask early.
Agencies aim for a small, regular team, but staff have days off and holidays. Ask each agency how they keep care consistent.
Yes. Needs often change, and the agency can review the care plan and add visits or longer calls when needed.
It can be, if your parent is safe between visits. If they need help at unpredictable times, live-in care or extra support may be worth considering.
Care booked by the hour, when you need it, with the flexibility to change.
Find out more →
Friendly visits for company, conversation, outings and a little help at home.
Find out more →
A carer lives in the home, giving support through the day and company at night.
Find out more →Answer a few simple questions and we’ll match you with a CQC-registered agency that covers your area.
Accreditations and compliance
ICO registration ZC221613
