If your loved one needs home help it may be the case that they could benefit from the help of care services at night-time as well. Having night-time care on hand can provide both them and you with the peace of mind needed to get a good night’s sleep, knowing that support is there if needed.
How night care can help
Night care can provide necessary support with toileting, medication, and mobility assistance - useful if your loved one has a disability or suffers from dementia and is at risk of falling or injuring themselves during the night.
Sleeping Night
During a sleeping night, the carer will sleep in your or your loved one’s home to ensure safety and security. The care provider will expect the carer to typically be able to get a reasonable night’s sleep, but is available to help if needed. This option is recommended if ongoing support is not required through the night, but you or your loved one feel uncomfortable when left alone throughout the night. Having this type of care on hand can improve quality of sleep by alleviating anxieties and providing intermittent support.
Working and waking night
Waking night care means a carer can be on duty in your home to provide any necessary support throughout the night. A night carer can help with bathroom visits, personal care, monitoring, and any other needs which may arise. This may be the preferred option for those who wake several times a night and need support. Assistance may be needed as you wake up disorientated, or wake due to pain caused by a medical condition. This may also be needed if you or your loved one wake at regular intervals throughout the night to change position due to injury or to take medication.
Questions to ask
If you think you or your loved one may need night-time home care, you may want to ask some of the following questions:
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Do you worry about safety during the night?
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Are you or your loved one unable to take medication or go to the bathroom alone during the night?
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Do you or your loved one have trouble sleeping without someone around to help?