What is the difference between home care and residential care?

Figuring out what care your loved one needs isn't always easy. Every individual has different needs, preferences, and circumstances, so understanding the options available is an important first step.

Both home care and residential care provide valuable support, but they suit different people and different situations. Neither option is inherently better than the other; the right choice depends on the individual's needs, preferences, and level of support required.

In this guide, we'll explain how home care and residential care work, compare the key differences, and outline the benefits and considerations of each to help you make an informed decision.

At Westwood Homecare, we provide both home care services and residential assisted living, giving us a unique perspective on the strengths of each option. We aim to provide a balanced, unbiased comparison so you can choose the type of care that's right for your loved one.

What is residential care?

Residential care typically refers to a care home, where individuals live full-time and receive support from trained care staff. Carers look after multiple residents within the same building, providing assistance throughout the day and night.

There are several types of residential care, including residential homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. For the purposes of this guide, we'll use "residential care" as a broad term for care homes.

Residential care can provide support with:

• Personal care, such as washing and dressing

• Medication management

• Meals and nutrition

• Social activities

• 24-hour support where required

What is home care?

Home care (also known as domiciliary care) allows individuals to receive professional care whilst remaining in their own home.

Care is tailored around the individual and can range from a short daily visit to full-time live-in care, depending on needs. Support is delivered by carers who visit the home, helping people maintain their independence whilst receiving the assistance they need.

Home care can include:

• Personal care

• Medication support

• Meal preparation

• Household tasks

• Companionship

• Specialist care for complex conditions

• Overnight or live-in care

Sharif House

Home Care vs Residential Care

Although both options aim to provide safe, high-quality care, they offer very different living environments.

Living Environment

Home care

Care is provided in the individual's own home, allowing them to remain in familiar surroundings and continue their usual routines.

Residential care

Individuals move into a care setting where accommodation, care, and support are provided in one place. Residents live alongside others who also require support.

Independence and daily routine

Home care

People can usually continue living much as they always have, choosing when they wake up, eat meals, receive visitors, or pursue hobbies.

Residential care

Residents maintain as much independence as possible while following aspects of the home's daily routine, such as mealtimes and organised activities.

Level of support

Home care

Care can be tailored to the individual's needs, from occasional visits each week to multiple visits per day or live-in care. Support can often be adjusted as needs change.

Residential care

Care staff are available on-site throughout the day and night, making residential care suitable for people who require regular support or ongoing supervision.

Social opportunities

Home care

Individuals can remain connected to their local community and can continue seeing family, friends, neighbours, and attending clubs or activities they enjoy.

Residential care

Living with other residents provides regular opportunities for social interaction, shared meals, and organised activities within the home.

Family involvement

Home care

Family members can continue being involved in day-to-day life while receiving additional support from professional carers.

Residential care

Families can visit regularly and remain involved in care planning whilst staff provide day-to-day support within the home.

Cost

The cost of both home care and residential care varies depending on the level of support required, location, and funding arrangements.

Home care may be more cost-effective for people who only require a few hours of support each week, whilst residential care provides accommodation alongside care, with costs reflecting both. It's worth speaking to a care provider or your local authority to understand the options available.

Which option is right?

There is no single answer that suits everyone.

Home care may be appropriate for people who wish to remain in their own home and only need support at certain times of the day. Residential care may be more suitable for individuals who would benefit from around-the-clock support or from living within a care community.

Many people's care needs change over time, and it's not uncommon for someone to receive home care before later moving into residential care if their circumstances change. Equally, some people receive home care for many years and never require residential support.

Making your decision

Choosing between home care and residential care is a personal decision that should take into account an individual's care needs, medical requirements, independence, social preferences, family circumstances, and finances.

Speaking with a care provider can help you understand what support is available and which option best meets your loved one's needs. Every person's situation is different, and the best choice is the one that helps them live safely, comfortably, and with the highest possible quality of life.