In the UK, approximately 12.5 million people are aged 65 and over, accounting for nearly 18% of the population. This number is projected to grow steadily due to increasing life expectancy and an aging population. By 2040, the number of people aged 85 and over is expected to more than double, significantly impacting the demand for adult social care services.

As this demographic grows, domiciliary care has emerged as a preferred option for many families. Reasons for this preference include the ability to remain in familiar surroundings, personalized care, and flexibility in services. Domiciliary care also caters to individuals with specific needs such as physical disabilities, dementia, and sensory impairments.

A report by Skills for Care in 2024 highlights that adult social care contributes £55.7 billion annually to the economy in England, with domiciliary care being a key contributor. This sector employs over 700,000 people, working for approximately 14,000 registered domiciliary care providers. 

Interestingly, domiciliary care services have a turnover rate of 25.3%, which is lower than that of care homes with nursing but slightly higher than care homes without nursing. 

Despite the turnover, the sector has shown consistent growth in recruitment, with a workforce that has an average of 8.3 years of experience in social care roles.

The affordability of domiciliary care compared to residential care homes is another reason for its popularity. While the average cost of a residential care home in England is around £35,000–£50,000 annually, domiciliary care offers more tailored options, enabling families to control costs based on specific needs. 

Additionally, government support through Direct Payments or Personal Budgets has made domiciliary care more accessible.

Domiciliary care also aligns with the preferences of the elderly population. Surveys by the Live In Care Hub suggest that 97% of older adults prefer to stay in their own homes rather than move into care homes, emphasizing the importance of services that support aging in place.