Domiciliary care services are provided in the home of a person in need of assistance rather than at residential care facilities or hospitals. These services may include personal care such as support with washing, dressing and eating, and domestic tasks such as cleaning, shopping and cooking for the individual.
Domiciliary carers are a vital part of the health and social care sector. In England alone, there were 570,000 jobs in domiciliary care services from 2021 to 2022. What do domiciliary carers do, exactly? Continue reading to learn more.
The Roles of a Domiciliary Care Worker
Domiciliary Carers are highly trained professionals with the knowledge and skills to deliver care services safely, compassionately and effectively. As such, they are essential in helping individuals remain in their homes for as long as possible. Domiciliary carers provide invaluable support to individuals in their own homes so they can live independent lives.
They can also help reduce hospital admissions and enable people to stay connected with their local community. They work closely with people to understand their needs, preferences and wishes while delivering high-quality professional care services that meet their goals.
A domiciliary carer will also be able to identify signs of change in an individual’s health or well-being, enabling them to take immediate action if required.
Responsibilities of a Domiciliary Carer
What do domiciliary carers do? The primary responsibility of a domiciliary care worker is to ensure that the person they care for receives safe, effective and compassionate support services. This includes:
- Assisting with personal care needs such as washing, dressing and grooming
- Providing emotional support
- Administering medication
- Helping individuals to stay connected within their local community
- Following specific care plans set out by healthcare professionals
- Maintaining accurate records of the individual’s health and well-being
- Taking steps to prevent any further deterioration in an individual’s condition
In addition, domiciliary carers must be aware of any risks or hazards in the home environment and take action to prevent any harm. They must also be familiar with relevant legislation and regulations to ensure they provide the best quality care possible.
A Healthcare Professional and Companion in One
Domiciliary carers often develop strong relationships with the people they look after, offering them comfort, assistance and companionship inside and outside the home. Through this relationship-based approach to care, domiciliary carers provide invaluable support to improve the quality of life of those receiving care services.
What are the Qualifications of a Domiciliary Carer?
A recognised health and social care qualification is essential, as are other qualifications such as first aid or moving and handling. It is also important that domiciliary carers show evidence of regular training and updates in their professional knowledge and skills.
Domiciliary carers must also demonstrate strong communication skills, emotional resilience and empathy so they can relate to people on a personal level and provide compassionate support when needed. Finally, the ability to manage challenging situations with patience and professionalism is critical for working in domiciliary care environments.
What’s the Next Career Step for a Domiciliary Carer?
Domiciliary care workers can progress in their role by taking on more responsibility, such as acting as a supervisor, team leader or manager. They may also develop specialist skills and knowledge, such as dementia care or palliative care. This could lead to further opportunities within health and social care organisations, including management roles.
Unlock Your Full Potential as a Domiciliary Care Worker
Become a reliable and competent domiciliary carer with Careskills Academy’s holistic training programme. We train learners to deliver outstanding care services in a variety of settings. Our interactive e-learning platform helps you develop the right understanding and confidence for providing top-notch domiciliary care.
Take the first step towards a rewarding career. Contact us for more information about our courses, or enrol today.
