What Is Overnight Care?
If your loved one experiences insomnia, wakes up several times during the night to use the restroom, has a behavioral disorder or has a tendency to wander, he or she may need someone to remain with them throughout the night. Overnight care offers assistance to seniors who need help during the bedtime routine, overnight hours, and in the morning.
An overnight caregiver will stay with you or your family member throughout the night and will be available to assist with any needs that may arise. This care option is often a good fit for family caregivers who can provide care during the day, but who need extra assistance at night. An overnight care arrangement offers an alternative to a residential facility or to more expensive live-in care and 24-hour care by providing care only during the hours when family members are unable to be available.
How Overnight Care Benefits Your Loved One
With overnight care, a caregiver will arrive at your loved one’s home for the evening hours leading up to bedtime and will remain available for assistance until morning. Overnight caregivers provide peace of mind for your family by assisting with needs that may arise during the night such as wakefulness, toileting, repositioning, fall prevention, and nighttime medication reminders.
They can also assist with care needs for a variety of conditions:
- Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care - It is not uncommon for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia to wander or become disoriented during nighttime and early morning hours. An overnight caregiver can be there to ensure your loved one’s safety and provide reassurance.
- Disabled Adults Care - Adults with disabilities may need assistance getting to and from the restroom during the night or may need help getting into and out of bed. The goal of overnight care is to help each individual receive the assistance they need so they can enjoy a restful night’s sleep.
- Post-Surgery Care - When your loved one comes home after a surgery, he or she may need medication reminders during the night, assistance with repositioning, or help with mobility and fall prevention. An overnight caregiver can help ensure a safe and healthy recovery.
- Neuromuscular Disorder Care - People with neuromuscular disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke, and Parkinson’s disease often need mobility assistance and may need someone to be available if they need to get up during the night. Overnight care ensures that they have the help they need around the clock.
Related Care
Live-In Care
Live-in care provides consistent, continuous care from a single caregiver. This person lives and sleeps in the home, providing companionship and assistance with daily activities. It differs from 24-hour care and overnight care in that the caregiver will sleep at night while your loved one sleeps.
24-Hour Care
With 24-hour care, at least two caregivers will share caregiving responsibilities so that your loved one receives round-the-clock care. Day or night, you can rest assured that a caregiver is available to assist with ambulation, toileting, fall prevention, and other needs. This is the best option for seniors who need more intensive care both day and night.
