The Many Benefits of Overnight Home Care for Elderly Loved One
There may come a time when you can no longer leave an older loved one alone at home overnight. In a perfect world, you could give your parents or grandparents all the care they need on your own, but that’s not always possible.
Hiring overnight home care might be the solution. Knowing that an experienced, compassionate professional caregiver is there to watch over your loved one can help everyone rest easier.
What is Overnight Home Care?
Overnight home care is a service that assists and supports seniors through the night. This type of care ensures that a senior who is not fully independent can still remain safe at home.
Perhaps they struggle with insomnia, are at risk of falling at night, or are living with dementia issues. No matter the reason, a trained caregiver can be there to provide the personalized support the person needs.
Overnight care may be used in addition to other forms of care or as a stand-alone option that keeps elderly loved ones safe. Services that may be provided as part of overnight care include:
- Helping seniors prepare for bed
- Assisting with personal care, such as changing clothes, going to the bathroom, and getting comfortable in bed
- Administering medications
- Monitoring ongoing health conditions
- Responding to any emergencies during the night
- Providing companionship
Overnight care offers peace of mind to seniors and their families. Even without a dire need for medical supervision, the security of having a trained professional available throughout the night may increase a senior’s quality of life.
Improved Security
Living alone can make seniors feel vulnerable, especially if they’re worried about getting around the house safely in the dark. Concerns about experiencing a health emergency alone at night can cause undue stress and sleep loss. Increased safety and security is one of the most important benefits of overnight care.
A caregiver is available to offer immediate assistance. Whether the senior needs help getting to the bathroom, is experiencing disorientation, or simply wakes up feeling frightened and alone, the presence of a caregiver acts as a warm security blanket.
Hiring overnight care also means that someone will be available in case of a non-medical emergency. If a fire ignites or the roof springs a leak in the middle of the night, your loved one won’t be left alone to deal with the problem.
Support and Respite for Family Caregivers
Caring for an elderly relative is a physically and emotionally exhausting experience. Needing help isn’t a sign of weakness or a reflection of your love for the person. Caregivers who don’t take time to rest and recharge will quickly burn out.
Family caregivers need to maintain their mental and physical health. Overnight care provides an opportunity for family caregivers to have a much-deserved break so they can give their very best to their loved ones.
Companionship
Isolation is a serious health risk for seniors. Spending the majority of the daylight hours alone can be difficult, but almost everyone feels extra vulnerable at night. Fears about safety or simply loneliness can make it difficult for seniors to get the restorative sleep they need.
An overnight care provider offers companionship to fill that void. Caregivers are there to do things like have friendly conversations, play a hand of cards, and provide emotional support when needed.
Help With Personal Care
Seniors may not want to admit they need help with personal tasks at the end of the day. They might skip medications or hygiene tasks like brushing their teeth because they are exhausted or confused. It can be difficult to ask a family member to assist with going to the bathroom, even if they’re available.
Overnight care ensures a trained caregiver is there to provide all the help that a senior needs. Maintaining a personal care regimen contributes to better health and well-being overall.
Is It Time for Overnight Home Care?
Overnight home care for seniors offers many benefits. It can help seniors feel safer, provide companionship, and ensure that important personal care habits are maintained. Overnight care also benefits family members by providing them with support and respite.
If your older loved one is living with dementia, is at risk for nighttime falls, or would benefit from extra companionship, it may be time to consider hiring a professional caregiver for overnight care.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California.
