What is domiciliary/home help?

Domiciliary or home help means carers visiting or living-in to support daily activities such as washing, dressing, medication, meal prep and companionship.

Do I always need a CQC-registered provider?

If the service includes regulated activities like Personal Care, the provider must be registered with the CQC. Always verify registration for regulated care.

5 Signs Your Loved One May Need Home Help | Richmond, Kew, Barnes, Twickenham & Nearby

When to consider home help

Deciding that a loved one needs support at home is hard. This short checklist highlights five clear signs to watch for and practical next steps. If you determine they need regulated services (e.g., help with washing, dressing, medication), always confirm the provider is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) before you hire.

The 5 signs — what to look for

1

Decline in personal hygiene or grooming

If you notice unwashed clothes, missed baths, or poor oral care over several weeks, that often means the person needs regular practical help with daily tasks — not occasional visits.

2

Frequent missed meals or unbalanced nutrition

Sudden weight loss, neglected food shopping, or many cold meals are red flags. Regular visits or live-in support can ensure safe meal preparation and hydration.

3

Medication errors or missed doses

Confusion about what to take and when (or visible skipped medication) is serious. Carers trained in medication support reduce risk and can liaise with GPs or pharmacies.

4

Mobility issues, repeated falls or near-misses

Even one fall should trigger a review. If mobility deteriorates, consider more frequent visits or live-in care to prevent further incidents and support rehabilitation routines.

5

Loneliness, withdrawal or confusion

Changes in mood, missed social appointments, or increased confusion (especially in the evenings) can be signs that companionship and regular supervision would improve wellbeing and safety.

Why checking CQC registration matters

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator for health and adult social care in England. If a provider delivers regulated activities such as Personal Care, they must be CQC-registered. A CQC record tells you which activities the provider is authorised to deliver, where they are registered to operate, and shows inspection reports and ratings — vital for informed choices.

How to check: go to the CQC website, search the provider name or postcode, note the Provider ID, read the latest inspection summary, and save the link or screenshot for your records.

View our CQC registration & legal disclosure or search the CQC register.

Local notes — quick practical tips by area

Richmond, Kew, Barnes

River crossings and narrow lanes can affect travel time — confirm visit length and contingency arrangements.

Twickenham, Ealing, Hounslow & Hayes

Traffic and Heathrow proximity may cause delays — ask how late/urgent calls are covered.

Hammersmith, Fulham, Wandsworth

High-density streets and parking issues — check punctuality policies and key-holding procedures.

Merton

Diverse borough needs — ensure providers can match carers for mobility or memory care requirements.

What to do next — a short checklist

Document the signs you’ve observed (dates, examples).
Discuss with family, GP or an occupational therapist for a needs assessment.
Shortlist 2–3 CQC-registered providers and request written care plans, sample contracts and DBS checks for carers.
Arrange a trial period or meet the carer beforehand to check fit and routines.

Need help? Contact our team to discuss options or view our domiciliary care services.