As we age, our sleep patterns naturally change. For some people this may mean waking up more frequently, experiencing discomfort at night, or feeling anxious when they are alone. These challenges can take a toll on sleep for elderly people, but also on family members who may struggle to provide round-the-clock care.
At Wisteria Care, our night carers provide professional night-time care for people who need it, ensuring safety, comfort, and most importantly, restful sleep for elderly individuals or for people recovering from an injury.
This may be on a short-term basis so the usual carer can have a break, or it may be a regular sleeping service to cover one or two nights a week enabling carers to get some much-needed rest. We also offer more comprehensive night-time care packages, ensuring your loved one gets the support they need.
In this guide, we’ll explore what night carers do and how they can improve the quality of life for both elderly people and their families.
Why sleep is vital for the elderly
Sleep is essential at every stage of life, but for seniors, it has added significance. Good quality sleep helps to regulate mood, supports cognitive function, and strengthens the immune system. Poor sleep, on the other hand, can exacerbate health issues such as high blood pressure, memory decline, and weakened balance (leading to an increased risk of falls).
Unfortunately, factors like chronic pain, dementia, urinary problems, or medication side effects can make achieving restful sleep for elderly people challenging. Luckily, having the support of night carers can transform nights from a time of stress and risk into one of comfort and safety. At Wisteria Care, our fully trained, compassionate care workers ensure that every night goes as smoothly as possible and each person in the household sleeps easily.
What night carers do
Our night carers provide professional in-home support during overnight hours, keeping your loved one safe and comfortable. Typically, a night carer will support individuals with personal care and administering medication, as well as providing comfort and security during the night.
Night carers help to ensure a restful night’s sleep for elderly people by:
- Ensuring your loved one doesn’t attempt any unsafe movements, such as wandering in the dark or getting up unassisted when support is needed.
- Administering medication or reminding your loved one when nighttime medication is required.
- Offering companionship to reduce anxiety or restlessness.
- Assisting with toileting, repositioning in bed, or changing clothes and bedding if needed.
- Creating a calm and supportive environment to encourage deep, restorative sleep.
Whether it’s simply being a reassuring presence or actively managing health-related needs, night carers provide peace of mind that someone is always on hand. Whether you have a spinal injury and need help turning safely in bed, or you need dementia care and regularly wake in the night, overnight care could be a great support solution for you.
- Sleeping night care. This is where night carers stay overnight and are available if needed, but generally, they rest while the elderly person or convalescent sleeps. This is suitable when there are occasional wake-ups or mild concerns or where a person needs some support following an operation, illness or injury.
- Waking night care. This is when night carers remain awake and vigilant throughout the night, attending to the elderly individual or convalescent whenever required. This option is ideal for those with more complex conditions, such as advanced dementia, frequent disorientation, or higher physical support needs. It’s also a great solution for those recuperating from a major operation, serious injury or illness.
If you’re unsure what level of night-time care you need for yourself or a loved one, please contact us today and chat with a member of our team.