Home care is provided to people in their own homes. Its purpose - as part of community care - is to help people remain living at home as an alternative to moving into some form of residential or nursing home. 

Home care can include: 

• Personal care  such as help with: 
• getting in and out of bed; 
• use of the toilet; 
• getting washed and dressed/undressed; and 
• eating meals. 

Support at home  providing practical  help rather than personal care and can include: 

• collecting pensions and shopping; 
• preparing meals;   
• day or night sitting (only in exceptional circumstances); 
• lighting fires; and   
• essential household hygiene.