What is overnight care?

Overnight care is specifically for those that have additional needs overnight, require 24-hour care or become more anxious during the early hours by themselves. This level of care supports people to continue their usual day-to-day activities throughout both the day and the night. Typical tasks that our carers assisted with include personal care, administering medication, helping you to and from the toilet and ensuring you have a safe night’s sleep.

Care during the night is suitable for anyone in need of extra support overnight – whether they have a spinal injury and need help turning safely in bed, or if they have dementia and regularly wake throughout the night.

Care may be required at any time, day or night, which is why it’s important to consider your overnight support if you’re living with a long-term health condition or have complex care needs.

Things can seem more difficult at night and it’s a time when we typically turn things over in our minds, dwelling on what’s happened and what will happen in the future. Sleep-in care, also known as overnight care, provides assistance before bed and upon waking, helping with tasks like dressing, taking medication, and preparing breakfast. This service is ideal for those who need reassurance during the night or struggle with being alone. Sleep-in care provides proactive support for those with changing needs.

For waking nights or sitting care, your overnight carer will generally arrive in the evening at around 9pm and stay for approximately 10 hours; but a specific time will be agreed beforehand with you and your local care manager. There may be a slight overlap with another carer if you receive care throughout the day or if a Helping Hands carer is taking over from your regular caregiver whilst they take a break. They will then be there until the morning, again at a prearranged time with your local care manager, which will all be discussed and confirmed at your initial meeting.