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Domiciliary Home Care: A Movement for Personalised Healthcare – A Paradigm Shift

16 April 2025

Written byMike Boniface

Domiciliary Home Care: A Movement for Personalised Healthcare – A Paradigm Shift

As the UK’s population ages, the demand for quality home-based care, such as that provided by Radfield Home Care Guildford & Woking, has never been greater. In 2025, nearly 19% of the UK population is aged 65 and over, with the total population projected to reach 70 million in 2026. This is a remarkable figure. The number of people aged 85 and over is also rising rapidly—approaching 3% of the population in 2024, equating to around 2 million individuals. These numbers underscore the growing need for innovative, compassionate care solutions that respect dignity, promote independence, and enhance quality of life.

This article invites a shift in perspective—from viewing the work of domiciliary care workers as merely a job, to recognising it as a movement in personalised healthcare.

Having worked extensively in domiciliary home care, I’ve seen firsthand how this field transcends traditional employment. It’s a movement dedicated to reimagining the future of healthcare. More than just a service, domiciliary care represents a profound commitment to supporting people in their own homes, ensuring they receive personalised, compassionate support that’s tailored to their individual needs. For many, this work is not just a career—it’s a calling, even a sense of purpose. Some may go so far as to say it’s a mission.

The Evolution of Domiciliary Care as a Movement

Domiciliary care has changed dramatically over the years. Once regarded as an informal family duty or an overburdened institutional necessity, it has now evolved into a structured, professional field. At its core is the belief that individuals should have the choice to remain at home while receiving the care they need.

This evolution has been driven by dedicated Care Professionals who view their role as a vocation. Their work does more than support individuals—it supports a wider cultural shift, one that places person-centred care above institutional models. Today, domiciliary care, also known as visiting care, ranges from day-to-day support to more complex care needs, all delivered in the comfort and familiarity of home.

While some institutional models still focus on profit, the spirit of the current era—the zeitgeist—leans strongly towards personal connection and care that is truly centred around the individual.

The Benefits of a Movement-Based Approach

Approaching domiciliary care as a movement unlocks significant benefits, not just for clients and families, but for the wider healthcare system.

Empowering Independence

Rather than imposing set routines, domiciliary care champions personal autonomy. Clients can make choices that align with their lifestyles, preferences, and healthcare needs. It’s important to acknowledge that genuine compassion often stems from within—it can’t always be taught. However, Care Professionals can be supported to explore their own empathy and discover a deeper connection with those they support.

Building Stronger Communities

Domiciliary care goes beyond clinical or physical support. It’s about building relationships, fostering trust, and reducing loneliness. This is where community engagement becomes vital. At Radfield Home Care Guildford & Woking, we believe in working with and for our local area—building networks that help people stay connected to what matters most.

Transforming Healthcare Delivery

Shifting the focus of care from hospitals to homes not only reduces pressure on the NHS, but also provides a more personal and cost-effective alternative. Although cost must be considered, the real conversation is around value—what that investment means for a person’s wellbeing, independence, and family peace of mind.

A Holistic Viewpoint

If we are to embrace domiciliary care as a movement, then we must also explore wider strategies. From local team discussions to national think tanks, we need to collaboratively redefine what it means to deliver care at home and reimagine care roles as purposeful, impactful, and transformational.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While progress has been made, the domiciliary care movement must continue to grow and adapt. Here are some of the key areas of focus:

Recognising the Value of Care Professionals

Caregivers are the foundation of this movement, yet their contributions are often undervalued. Fair pay, ongoing training, and career progression are essential. This should also include more interactive appraisals, regular feedback, and an ongoing celebration of values-led care.

Advancing Policy and Leadership

To support the sector, policies must evolve. Funding, employment protections, and seamless integration with healthcare services must be strengthened. This begins with the right leadership—employing and developing managers who understand and champion the values of this movement, supported by a coherent senior management team.

Leveraging Technology and Innovation

Technology will play a growing role in the future of home care. Innovations such as remote health monitoring, AI tools, and telehealth services are increasingly being tested and implemented. For example, home care robots are currently being trialled by Cera Care UK, and Telehealth services. At Radfield Home Care Guildford & Woking, we are continually exploring how innovation can enhance the quality of care we provide.

The Future of Domiciliary Care as a Social Movement

Domiciliary care is far more than a list of services—it represents a fundamental shift in how we approach ageing and health in the UK. It embodies dignity, personal choice, and the belief that people should be supported to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

As Radfield Home Care’s mission affirms, we are committed to helping the nation age well.

To keep this momentum going, Care Professionals, policymakers, and local communities must continue to collaborate—reinforcing the movement’s core values through advocacy, innovation, and investment.

At Radfield Home Care Guildford & Woking, we are proud to be part of this movement—supporting individuals and families with personalised care in Guildford, Woking & surrounding areas that keeps them connected to what matters most.

Explore Personalised Home Care in Guildford & Woking

If you or a loved one are looking for high-quality home care in Guildford or Woking, we’re here to help. Our compassionate team provides tailored support to help you remain connected to what matters most.

👉 Learn more about our home care services

Looking for a Rewarding Role in Care?

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Author

Mike Boniface

Mike Boniface

Community Engagement Manager

Mike is our community engagement manager in the Camberley and Guildford areas, maintaining Radfield’s key relationships in the community.

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