What Is Overnight Care? A Guide for Families Seeking Night-Time Support

Are you worried about a loved one's safety and well-being during the night? The thought of them being alone can be stressful, especially if they are frail, living with dementia, or prone to falls. While daytime support is more widely mentioned, overnight care is also a vital service that offers reassurance and practical help when it's needed most, ensuring your loved one is safe and comfortable throughout the night.

This guide is here to explain everything you need to know about overnight care. We'll explore the different types of support available, helping you understand when it might be the right time to consider this option for your family. By understanding what carers overnight can do, you can make an informed decision that brings peace of mind to both you and your loved one.

What Is Overnight Care?

Overnight care is when a professional carer stays in your loved one's own home during the night hours to provide one-to-one support. It’s designed for those who may feel anxious, have medical needs, or require assistance during the night. This dedicated overnight care service ensures someone is always there, whether it's for help getting to the toilet, taking medication, or simply for the reassurance of having another person present.

The primary goal of overnight care at home is to help elderly people maintain their independence and continue living in familiar surroundings, safely and comfortably. For many, the darkness of nighttime brings increased anxiety or disorientation. A night time carer provides a watchful presence, ready to offer support at any moment, making a huge difference to your loved one’s quality of life and your own peace of mind. This night care for the elderly is tailored to their specific care needs, from help with personal care to managing complex conditions.

Types of Overnight Care

Understanding the different types of overnight care is key to finding the right solution for your family. The choice depends on the level of support your loved one needs. Tiggo Care offers two main types of overnight care services: sleeping night care and waking night care. Each is designed to meet different needs and ensure your loved one receives the appropriate level of assistance throughout the night. Let’s explore these options in more detail.

Sleeping Night Care

Sleeping night care is when a carer sleeps in your loved one's home but is available to provide assistance up to two times during the night. The carer must have their own room but is on hand to help if your relative wakes up and needs support. This type of overnight care is ideal for those who don’t require frequent assistance but feel anxious or vulnerable when left alone.

This type of overnight care provides the reassurance that someone is there to help with occasional needs, such as a trip to the bathroom or if they feel unwell, sleeping night care is a great option for maintaining independence while ensuring there’s support available. It helps your loved one sleep soundly, knowing that a friendly face is nearby. A carer can stay overnight to provide this essential peace of mind.

Waking Night Care

Waking night care is for people who need regular and consistent support throughout the night. With a waking night service, your carer will stay awake for the entire night—typically for eight hours or more—to provide constant monitoring and assistance. This is often necessary for individuals with complex care needs, such as advanced dementia, or those recovering from surgery who may require frequent assistance.

A waking night carer can help with repositioning in bed to prevent pressure sores, administer medication at specific night time hours, or provide comfort to someone who is distressed. This continuous presence ensures immediate help is available, no matter the time. It is a comprehensive form of overnight support for those who need it most.

When Is Overnight Care Needed?

Deciding when to arrange overnight care is a personal decision, often prompted by a change in your loved one’s health or circumstances. You might start to consider it if you're worried about them being alone, especially if they have recently had a fall or a hospital stay. For many elderly people, the night can be a lonely and anxious time, and having a carer present can make all the difference.

Here are some common situations where families choose overnight home care:

• Dementia and Confusion: If your loved one has dementia, they may experience confusion, anxiety, or wandering during the night. An overnight carer can provide a calming presence and ensure they remain safe.
• Mobility Issues: For those who struggle with mobility, getting to the bathroom or moving in bed can be a risk for falls. A night carer can provide essential mobility support.
• Post-Hospital Recovery: After a hospital stay, your loved one may need extra support during the night to help with their recovery, manage pain, and assist with personal care.
• Complex Care Needs: Individuals with complex care needs, such as those requiring regular repositioning or monitoring of vital signs, benefit greatly from a waking night carer.
• Medication Management: If your loved one needs help taking medication at specific times during the night, an overnight carer can ensure they stick to their prescribed routine.
• Anxiety and Loneliness: Sometimes, the simple reassurance of having someone else in the house is enough to help an elderly loved one get a good night's sleep.
• Family Respite: If you're the primary carer, overnight care can give you a much-needed break, allowing you to rest and recharge knowing your loved one is in safe hands.

If you notice your loved one is becoming more frail, anxious at night, or if their needs are becoming too much for you to handle alone, it may be time to explore overnight care for elderly relatives. It’s a proactive step to ensure they can continue to live safely and happily in their own home.

What to Expect from an Overnight Carer

When you arrange for an overnight carer from Tiggo Care, you can expect a professional and compassionate service tailored to your loved one’s needs. The carer will typically arrive in the evening to help your relative get ready for bed. Overnight care can include assistance with personal care, changing into nightclothes, and ensuring they are comfortable. They can also help with administering medication that needs to be taken before sleep.

Throughout the night, the carer’s duties will depend on whether you have arranged for sleeping nights or waking nights.

For sleeping night care, the carer will be on hand for intermittent support. For a waking night service, the carer will be alert and available for the whole night, providing continuous support. This could involve:

• Assisting with toilet visits
• Repositioning in bed to maintain comfort and prevent sores
• Providing drinks or snacks
• Offering reassurance during moments of anxiety or confusion
• Monitoring your loved one’s condition and responding to any changes

In the morning, the carer will assist with morning routines. This includes helping your loved one get out of bed, then helping them wash and dress for the day ahead. They can also prepare a healthy breakfast and a cup of tea, starting the day on a positive and encouraging note. The goal is to ensure a smooth transition from night to day, leaving your loved one feeling refreshed and secure.

Conclusion

Choosing overnight care is a significant step towards ensuring your loved one's safety, comfort, and well-being during the nighttime hours. It provides invaluable peace of mind for families, knowing that a highly trained and compassionate carer is on hand to provide support whenever it is needed. Whether it’s the reassurance of a sleeping night or the constant vigilance of a waking night, our overnight care services are designed to help your loved one continue living independently in their cherished own home.

At Tiggo Care, we understand that every person's needs are unique. Our friendly team will work with you to create a personalised care plan that respects your loved one's dignity and preferences. From mobility support to companionship through the lonely early hours, we provide care that makes a real difference. If you think your family could benefit from overnight care at home, please get in touch with us to discuss how we can help you and your elderly loved one.