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 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 personal care 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 normalcy and a good quality of life.
What Are a Domiciliary Carer’s Main Responsibilities?
Domiciliary carers, or home care workers, offer similar support to carers but within the client’s own home.
This type of care is tailored to meet the individual needs of people who prefer to stay in their own environment. Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting personal care tasks in a familiar setting.
- Providing tailored support that promotes independence.
- Offering companionship and support with social engagements.
- Performing household duties that the individual may struggle with.
- Ensuring the safety and comfort of the individual in their own home.
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.
Domiciliary care vs Regular care
While regular care is typically delivered in a residential care home or community centre, domiciliary care is specifically delivered at home. This requires carers to act with respect and discretion so that patients always feel in control of the care process.
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 will often work in care homes or communal living environments | Domiciliary carers will often work in the private home of the person(s) they care for |
Carers’ responsibilities may extend to healthcare tasks such as administering medication | Domiciliary care often 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. |
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.
In addition, any care worker who may want to take on duties such as administering medication, providing medical care etc, will need to have that training to do so.
Insurance
While domiciliary care insurance is typically cheaper, it covers fewer aspects than the comprehensive policies required in residential care settings. For example, as a domiciliary care worker, you would not be covered for any healthcare tasks nor would you be covered for any hands-on care.
If you do either of these things in your role as a carer, then you may need a more comprehensive carers insurance policy to ensure you are fully covered.
Earning Potential
Earning potential can vary based on several factors including experience, qualifications, and the specific needs of your clients.
Domiciliary carers may have the opportunity to earn more due to the personalised nature of the services they offer and the potential for private employment arrangements. However, care workers will have the ability to offer more specialised services and care to clients who need a higher level of care, and therefore may be able to earn more by niching down.
In conclusion, while both carers and domiciliary carers share the common goal of supporting individuals with their daily lives, the key differences in their roles, responsibilities, and work environments are significant – and it’s important to know what category you fall into for insurance and training purposes.
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.
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.