Dispelling the Top 10 Myths About Domiciliary Care for London Families

Dispelling the Top 10 Myths About Domiciliary Care for London Families

For many London families, the idea of arranging domiciliary care for a loved one comes with a mixture of uncertainty, emotion, and—more often than not—misinformation. Despite domiciliary care being one of the most supportive and empowering options for older adults and people living with long-term health needs, myths continue to circulate. These misconceptions can prevent families from making informed decisions that truly reflect the needs, independence, and dignity of the people they care about.

In a diverse and ever-changing city like London, where families juggle demanding work schedules, long commutes, and multi-generational responsibilities, domiciliary care plays a vital role in enabling people to live safely and confidently in their own homes. Here, we address the top 10 myths that often create unnecessary worry—and share the reality behind each one.

Myth 1: “Domiciliary care is only for people who are very ill.”

Many people assume that care at home is only for those with severe medical needs or for individuals nearing the end of life. In reality, domiciliary care spans a wide spectrum—from companionship and help around the home, to specialist support for complex conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, and mobility challenges. Most people receiving home care simply want a little extra support to live safely and independently.

Myth 2: “Home care takes away independence.”

This is perhaps the most widespread misconception. Good domiciliary care is built on the opposite principle: promoting independence, not reducing it. Instead of doing everything for the person, trained CareGivers focus on enabling them to continue doing as much as they can. This may include encouraging someone to stay active, supporting them with daily routines, or helping them maintain hobbies and social activities.

Myth 3: “Carers will replace family involvement.”

Professional carers are not there to replace family; they are there to support them. Domiciliary care allows families to step back from the exhausting daily tasks and focus on the emotional relationship with their loved one. Many families find that having a CareGiver involved actually improves the time they spend together, reducing stress and improving communication.

Myth 4: “It’s safer to move into a care home.”

Care homes are essential for some situations, but they are not automatically safer. Studies consistently show that for many people—particularly those with dementia—familiar environments reduce anxiety, confusion, and the risk of falls. Home care also reduces exposure to infections and allows personalised attention that is often difficult to match in institutional settings.

Myth 5: “Domiciliary care is too expensive.”

Many London families are surprised to learn that domiciliary care is often more cost-effective than alternative care arrangements, especially when care is tailored to the exact number of hours needed. Instead of paying for 24-hour residential support, families can choose focused, meaningful support that fits their routines and budget. There are also funding options available through local councils, continuing healthcare, and other schemes.

Myth 6: “You get different carers every day.”

High-quality care providers prioritise continuity. Regular CareGivers build trust, understand routines, and pick up on subtle changes in wellbeing. While occasional adjustments are inevitable, good domiciliary care ensures a small, consistent team—far from the revolving-door image often associated with the industry.

Myth 7: “Home care lacks professionalism.”

Modern domiciliary care in London is regulated, audited, and supported by rigorous training standards. CareGivers are trained in safeguarding, medication management, mobility support, infection control, dementia care and more. Reputable organisations also employ CareGivers and supervisors directly, ensuring ongoing oversight and accountability.

Myth 8: “People with dementia can’t be supported at home.”

Many people living with dementia thrive in familiar surroundings. Domiciliary care is often the preferred option, as staying at home helps maintain memories, routines, and emotional comfort. Specialist dementia-trained carers support families with behaviour management, meaningful activities, and compassionate guidance through the condition’s progression.

Myth 9: “Care at home disrupts household life.”

Professional carers are trained to fit naturally into someone’s home environment. They are respectful of boundaries, routines, and preferences. Many family members find that their loved one’s home becomes a calmer, safer place—not a disrupted one—once structured support is in place.

Myth 10: “Accepting care is a sign of weakness.”

This belief, though deeply rooted, couldn’t be further from the truth. Accepting help is often a powerful act of self-respect. It allows people to maintain their dignity, independence, and quality of life for as long as possible. Families, too, benefit from knowing they’ve made a compassionate, proactive decision to support their loved one’s wellbeing.

Supporting London Families With Confidence and Compassion

As London continues to evolve, so do the needs of its families. Domiciliary care has become an essential service—flexible, personalised, and grounded in the belief that home is often the best place for healing, comfort, and independence. The myths surrounding home care only serve to create unnecessary fear, when the reality is that good domiciliary care empowers people to live fuller, safer, and more meaningful lives.

How Right at Home Enfield Is Raising the Standard of Domiciliary Care

At Right at Home Enfield, we are committed to dispelling these myths through the quality of the care we provide every day. We deliver personalised, relationship-centred support tailored to each client’s unique needs—whether that’s companionship, dementia care, mobility support, or complex personal care. We prioritise continuity, compassion, and dignity in every visit.
By empowering clients to remain at home safely and confidently, and by supporting their families with guidance and reassurance, we continue to strengthen the standard of domiciliary care across Enfield. As the authors of this blog, we remain dedicated to helping families make informed, heart-centred decisions about their loved ones’ future.