Your Care Options: A Quick Reference Guide

CFA Care Options – What's out there?

This guide explains the different types of care options available through Care Finder Assist (CFA). To help identify the best-fit options based on support needs, independence, and lifestyle.

Care Type	What It Is	Who It’s For	Where You Live	What Support Is Provided	Key Features / Notes
Domiciliary Care	Care visits in your own home — support comes to you.	People of all ages who want to stay at home but need help with daily tasks.	In your own home	• Personal care • Medication help • Meals • Light-housekeeping • Companionship	Flexible and familiar; visits can range from 30 mins to several hours daily.
Live-in Care	A full-time carer lives with you in your home.	People needing continuous care but who want to remain in familiar surroundings.	In your own home	• 24/7 support • Personal care • Complex needs • Companionship • Household help	Alternative to residential care; ideal for those with increasing or complex needs.
Residential Care Home	A care home with 24/7 staff for people who need support through the day and night.	Older adults or vulnerable people who can't manage alone at home.	Room in a care home	• All personal care • Meals • Activities • Medication • Supervision	Communal living; staff always on hand; less medicalised than nursing care.
Nursing Home	Like a care home, but with registered nurses on site.	People with medical needs who also need daily care and supervision.	Room in a nursing home	• All care home support + • Medical care • Wound care • Catheters • PEG feeding	Best for people with chronic conditions or ongoing health needs.
Specialist Care Homes	Homes that focus on specific needs, like dementia, autism, or brain injury.	People with specialist needs requiring tailored care and understanding.	Room in a specialist care home	• All care home support • Trained staff for specialist conditions • Person-centred plans	Tailored environments and activities; staff have condition- specific training.
Supported Living	Your own home (flat or shared) with care and support built around what you need.	Adults with disabilities, autism, mental health needs, or older adults.	Own tenancy – flat or shared home	• Personal care • Help with bills, cooking, etc. • Support to access community • Flexible daily help	Promotes independence; support is arranged separately to housing.
Assisted Living	Self-contained flats in a care setting with optional support and communal facilities.	Older adults who are mostly independent but want support close by if needed.	Apartment in a purpose-built development	• Personal care • Housekeeping • Meals • Activities • On-site staff for emergencies	Independent lifestyle with built-in peace of mind and optional community engagement.

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