Did you know that aging affects our habitual sleep patterns? While most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night, the elderly tend to wake frequently. They also tend to go to bed very early and wake with the birds at dawn. These new sleep habits are due to a natural hormone change as we age, not to mention medical and health conditions that can disrupt our sleep.
Being a carer for an elderly relative can be exhausting, particularly if you’re still working during the day or have children that must be attended to. Waking frequently to assist your relative to the bathroom, administering medication, or because they’re unsure where they are can quickly take a physical toll. This is when overnight care may be beneficial.
The hardworking team at Aspire UK specialises in overnight care for the elderly, ensuring that they’re comfortable and safe during the nighttime hours. Our overnight care assistants are highly trained and committed to meeting the unique needs of each individual in their care. Please reach out if you’re interested in overnight home care.
What is Overnight Home Care?
This specialised home care service ensures your elderly loved one receives dedicated support and assistance during the night. Overnight care can be split into two categories:
Waking Night Care
This is when the care assistant remains awake throughout the night, providing your elderly loved one with constant supervision and support. They offer responsive care, meaning that they will address any needs or concerns as they arise and are also prepped to handle emergencies. This type of care is best suited for individuals who require regular attention or assistance throughout the night.
Sleeping Night Care
This is when the care assistant stays overnight, but they can sleep and be available to your elderly loved ones on an on-call basis. The assistant will need to be provided with suitable sleeping arrangements and a monitor so that they can keep an ear out. This type of care is best suited for individuals who are relatively independent throughout the night and who may only need occasional assistance.
How Does Overnight Care Work?
The care assistant will arrive shortly before bedtime, at which point they will do a handover with the day carer (if required). They will help the elderly individual with their nighttime routine (such as changing into pyjamas, toileting, and administering medications) and ensure that they get into bed safely. During the night, the assistant will provide care and support as needed, monitoring the individual to ensure they are safe and comfortable.
Some of the tasks or duties they may assist with include aiding with bathroom visits and personal hygiene, assisting with medical aids (such as stomas and catheters), providing mobility aid, and offering companionship and emotional support.
In the morning, the assistant will help the individual get out of bed and ready for the day (unless their day carer is responsible for this).
Why Might Overnight Care be Right for Your Loved One?
Many people struggle to identify when overnight care might be the best option for their ageing relatives, often because it is difficult to come to terms with their deteriorating health. Some of the signs, symptoms, and situations that may mean overnight care is the right choice for your loved one include:
- They are recovering from a major surgery or medical procedure;
- They have a medical condition that requires continuous monitoring;
- They suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia and are prone to wandering off;
- They tend to be forgetful to the point it becomes dangerous (such as not locking the front door or leaving the oven on);
- They have a strict medication schedule that requires administration overnight;
- They experience nocturia or frequent urination;
- They have extremely limited mobility and aren’t able to get out of bed on their own or are at risk of falling;
- They experience sleep disturbances, insomnia, or nighttime anxiety; or
- They are depressed and/or suicidal.
If any of the above applies to your elderly loved one, overnight care will keep them safe in their home and allow you to get some much-needed rest. If you’re still unsure about the need for overnight home care, speak with the individual’s current care team.
Provide Your Elderly Loved One with Quality Care and Support with Aspire UK
We understand how difficult entrusting care of your ageing relatives to someone else can be. Rest assured that our team of experienced and highly trained overnight care assistants is dedicated to offering compassionate and personalised support, no matter what level of care your loved one requires. We endeavour to create a familiar and nurturing environment that keeps the individual safe and comfortable.
To enquire about overnight care, please reach out to us today.
