Understanding Care: The Difference Between Home Care and Nursing Care
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When looking into care for a loved one — or even a career in care — two terms often come up: home care and nursing care. At first, they might sound similar, but they provide very different types of support.

At Care With Dignity Partnerships, based in Abingdon, we specialise in home care. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the difference and decide what’s right for you or your family.
What Is Home Care?
Home care (also called domiciliary care) helps people live independently in their own homes.
It usually includes:
- Personal care (washing, dressing, toileting)
- Help with meals, shopping, and light housework
- Medication prompts
- Companionship and emotional support
- Support after leaving hospital
Home carers are trained professionals, but they are not nurses. Their focus is on dignity, independence, and quality of life.
“Home care is about independence, dignity, and living well at home — with the right support tailored to individual needs.”
What Is Nursing Care?
Nursing care is delivered by registered nurses with medical training. It’s often provided in hospitals, care homes, or by community/district nurses at home.
It usually includes:
- Medical treatments and monitoring
- Care for complex health needs (e.g. catheter care, wound care, injections)
- Managing medication (including IV therapy)
- Palliative and end-of-life care
- Rehabilitation after illness or surgery
Nursing care is regulated by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK.
“Nursing care is delivered by highly trained professionals who focus on medical needs, recovery, and long-term health management.”
Home Care vs Nursing Care: Key Differences
| Feature | Home Care | Nursing Care |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Service user’s own home | Hospital, care home, or via NHS nurses |
| Staff | Trained care workers (NVQs, diplomas) | Registered nurses (NMC regulated) |
| Type of support | Daily living and personal care | Medical treatment and clinical care |
| Purpose | Independence and wellbeing | Managing health conditions |
| Funding | Local authority, private, or NHS (in some cases) | NHS or private, depending on need |
When Is Home Care the Right Choice?
Home care is ideal if your loved one:

- Wants to stay at home with some daily help
- Needs support with washing, meals, or housework
- Would benefit from companionship and regular visits
- Is recovering from illness or surgery without needing clinical care
- Is living with dementia or Alzheimer’s and needs familiar surroundings
When Is Nursing Care Needed?
Nursing care is more suitable if your loved one:

- Has complex health needs needing medical support
- Requires wound care, injections, or IV treatment
- Is receiving palliative or end-of-life care
- Has recently left hospital with ongoing clinical needs
- Needs regular monitoring for serious conditions (e.g. Parkinson’s, stroke)
Can Home Care and Nursing Care Work Together?
Yes. Many people receive both. For example, a home carer might provide daily support while a district nurse visits for medical care. Good teamwork between carers, nurses, GPs, and families ensures everything runs smoothly.
Benefits of Home Care
Home care brings more than practical help — it offers:

- Comfort of staying in familiar surroundings
- One-to-one support
- Consistency and routine
- Reduced risk of hospital admission
- Peace of mind for families
According to Age UK, 85% of older people want to stay in their own home for as long as possible. Home care makes that possible.
Thinking About a Career in Home Care?
If you’re caring, reliable, and want a meaningful career, home care could be for you. At Care With Dignity Partnerships, we offer:

- Full training (no experience needed)
- Flexible shifts
- Competitive pay and mileage
- Ongoing career development
It’s a career where you make a difference every single day.
Final Thoughts
The main difference is simple: home care helps with daily life, while nursing care provides medical support. Both are important, and sometimes they work best together.
At Care With Dignity Partnerships, we’re here to guide you through your options and provide high-quality home care across Abingdon and surrounding areas.

Want to learn more or explore home care roles? Visit https://cwdpartnerships.co.uk/job-vacancies/ or get in touch with our team today.
