What Is Visiting Care? Supporting Independence at Home

As we navigate the journey of ageing or managing long-term health conditions, the desire to remain in the comfort of our own homes becomes increasingly important. For many in the UK, visiting care - also known as domiciliary or hourly care - offers a practical and compassionate solution. This service provides tailored support, enabling individuals to maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need.

Understanding Visiting Care

Visiting care involves professional carers making scheduled visits to an individual's home to provide support with daily activities. These visits can range from a few times a week to multiple times a day, depending on the individual's needs. The flexibility of visiting care allows for personalised assistance, ensuring that support is provided when it's most needed.

The services offered during these visits can include personal care, such as help with bathing, dressing and toileting; assistance with meal preparation and feeding; medication management; light housekeeping tasks; and companionship. The goal is to support individuals in their daily routines, promoting autonomy and enhancing quality of life.

Who Can Benefit from Visiting Care?

Visiting care is suitable for a wide range of individuals, including older adults who wish to remain at home, people recovering from illness or surgery and those with disabilities or chronic health conditions. It's also beneficial for family carers who need respite support. By providing professional assistance, visiting care helps to alleviate the physical and emotional demands placed on family members, ensuring that their loved ones receive consistent and high-quality care.

Advantages of Visiting Care

One of the primary benefits of visiting care is the ability to stay in a familiar environment. Remaining at home can have a positive impact on mental and emotional well-being, offering comfort and a sense of security. Additionally, visiting care allows for personalised support that adapts to changing needs over time. This flexibility ensures that individuals receive the appropriate level of care as their circumstances evolve.

Another advantage is the continuity of care. Having regular visits from the same carers fosters trust and builds meaningful relationships. This consistency not only enhances the quality of care but also contributes to a more personalised and compassionate experience.

Implementing Visiting Care

To begin visiting care, a comprehensive assessment is typically conducted to understand the individual's needs, preferences and lifestyle. Based on this assessment, a tailored care plan is developed, outlining the specific services required and the schedule of visits. Care providers often work closely with clients and their families to ensure that the plan aligns with their expectations and goals.

It's important to choose a reputable care provider that employs trained and vetted carers. In the UK, many providers are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), offering an additional layer of assurance regarding the quality and safety of the services provided.

Visiting care offers a flexible and personalised approach to support individuals in maintaining their independence at home. By providing assistance with daily tasks and fostering meaningful relationships, this service enhances the quality of life for many. Whether for oneself or a loved one, exploring visiting care options can be a significant step towards ensuring comfort, dignity and well-being in the familiar surroundings of home.