Coronavirus: We need to support domiciliary care workers before the second wave hits

Many countries were already turning to domiciliary care as an alternative to residential care homes before the pandemic. The closure of care homes due to the well-publicised issues caused by COVID may hasten this change.

Domiciliary care allows people to stay in their own homes, which they often prefer. It may also be more cost effective and sustainable for a growing older population.

Domiciliary care providers support a wide range of people to live independent and fulfilling lives, including disabled adults, children and their families. But it is not without its risks during the pandemic.

People who use these services and their carers may be even more vulnerable during a second wave if care homes begin to close. The pandemic may also increase the demand for domiciliary care visits as more people are sent home after being hospitalised with COVID.