What is Home Care? What are the Advantages and Disadvantages Compared to Residential Care in Worthing?
Introduction
As families across Worthing, Steyning, Littlehampton, Goring-by-Sea, Lancing, Storrington and Shoreham-by-Sea navigate the often complex world of long-term care, one of the most common questions we hear is: "Should I choose home care or a care home for my loved one?" Understanding the difference is essential to making the right decision for your family.
At Aurora Community Care, we specialise in high-quality home care services in Worthing, helping people live independently in the comfort of their own homes. In this article, we’ll explain what domiciliary care is, how it compares to residential care, and how to decide what’s best for you or your loved one.
What is Home Care?
Domiciliary care, also known as home care, is professional support provided in a person’s own home. It’s ideal for those who need help with daily tasks but wish to stay in a familiar and comfortable environment.
Home care can be arranged privately or through a local authority, and at Aurora Community Care, we provide bespoke care plans designed around your unique needs. Our fully trained carers can assist with:
- Personal care (e.g., bathing, dressing, toileting)
- Medication assistance
- Meal preparation and nutrition
- Mobility and transfers
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Companionship and emotional support
Whether you need a short daily visit, multiple calls throughout the day, or live-in care, care at home provides the flexibility to meet evolving needs.
The Key Benefits of Home Care
1. Stay at Home in Familiar Surroundings
Remaining at home is one of the main reasons families choose home care. It offers comfort, security, and continuity—especially important for those with dementia or anxiety.
2. Tailored, Person-Centred Support
Unlike residential care, domiciliary care is built around your daily routine, not the other way around. You decide how and when you receive support.
3. Maintain Independence and Dignity
Our care empowers individuals to stay independent, focusing only on areas where help is needed—promoting confidence and self-esteem.
4. Lower Risk of Infections
Home care significantly reduces exposure to infections common in communal settings, such as seasonal flu or COVID-19.
5. Family Involvement
With care at home, it’s easier for families to remain involved—whether attending appointments, sharing meals, or simply visiting more often.
6. Flexible and Cost-Efficient
You only pay for the care you need, and packages can be adjusted at any time. It’s often more affordable in the early stages compared to full-time residential care.
Potential Disadvantages of Domiciliary Care
While home care offers many benefits, it’s not right for everyone. Here are a few considerations:
- Limited Medical Supervision: For those needing round-the-clock nursing or complex medical support, a residential setting may be more suitable.
- Social Isolation: If a person lives alone and rarely goes out, loneliness may become a concern without regular social activities.
- Home Adaptations: Installing grab rails, stairlifts or accessible bathrooms may be necessary.
- Cost Increases Over Time: For individuals needing intensive daily support or overnight care, costs can begin to match residential options.
What Is Residential Care?
Residential care homes provide accommodation, meals, and 24-hour personal care in a communal living setting. These homes are staffed around the clock and may include nursing or dementia-specific support.
Benefits of Residential Care:
- Constant supervision and care
- Access to trained nurses (in nursing homes)
- Structured daily routines and activities
- Built-in social interaction
Downsides of Residential Care:
- Loss of independence and personal routine
- Emotional impact of leaving home
- Fixed visiting hours and less family involvement
- Often more expensive for full-time support
Home Care vs Care Home: Which is best?
Choosing between Domiciliary and residential care depends on your individual circumstances, health needs, living environment, and personal preferences.
- Home Care takes place in the place you love to be. Your own home. Residential Care takes place in a Care Home.
- Home Care maintains a high level of independence and a Care Home offers much less independence.
- Home Care makes it easy to provide truly person centred care. A Care Home setting makes that more difficult.
- Home Care provides limited medical support. A Care Home can provide medical support 24/7.
- Home Care is less expensive and flexible. Care Home costs are often much more expensive.
- Home care can provide less opportunity to socialise. Care Homes have other residents.
How is care funded in Worthing & Steyning?
How Is Care Funded in the UK?
Care can be funded in a number of ways:
- Local Authority Funding: Based on a care needs and financial assessment.
- Direct Payments: Allow you to choose your own care provider using council funds.
- NHS Continuing Healthcare: Full funding for those with complex medical needs.
- Private Self-Funding: If you’re not eligible for financial support, you can arrange care directly with providers like Aurora Community Care.
Not sure if you’re eligible? We can guide you through the process. Call us on 01903 495456 for free advice on funding options.
Speak to Aurora Community Care Today
At Aurora Community Care, we’re proud to offer trusted, compassionate, and flexible home care services across the UK. Whether you’re exploring options for yourself or a loved one, our experienced team is here to help.
We offer a free, no-obligation care consultation to discuss your needs and explore the best care solution—whether that’s a few hours a week or full-time support.
✅ Compassionate, person-centred care
✅ Fully trained, DBS-checked carers
✅ Regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
✅ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Book Your Free Home Care Consultation in Worthing
📞 Call us today on 01903 495456
💬 Or Click Here to book your free care consultation.
Whether you’re just starting to look into care options or need urgent support, our team is here to help—no pressure, no obligation, just friendly advice.
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