Overnight care becomes very important for seniors and their families when comprehensive care is needed. Many seniors require help with daily activities such as bathing, eating, and grocery shopping. However, a greater benefit is seen with seniors who suffer from progressive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

What is Overnight Care & Who Can Benefit

Overnight care is when a caregiver provides care through the night. For example, they help with using the restroom at night, provide fluids and snacks, and assists the senior with getting ready for bed. Some seniors receive help with transfer assistance and changing positions in bed throughout the night. Overnight caregivers also prepare breakfast and offer morning care such as personal hygiene and home care.

Overnight care is best for those seniors who have trouble sleeping at night or who wander due to dementia. Having a caregiver available at night gives them assurance, relieves anxiety and disorientation due to disrupted sleep.

Benefits of Overnight Care

Overnight care gives peace of mind to your family, as you can rest assured that a highly qualified individual is providing constant care to their loved one.

• Nighttime Supervision

Many seniors can wander at night due to dementia or similar conditions as they tend to experience disrupted sleep and disorientation. Frequent wakefulness that leads to wandering at night and can be dangerous. Not only can the senior be at risk for falling, but in general, seniors with these conditions should not be alone at night. An overnight caregiver can monitor them and help as needed.

• Medical Care

In the case that a senior has epilepsy or other medical conditions and needs constant supervision, an overnight caregiver who is qualified for the specific type of care needed can help them deal with any medical condition if it gets worse. Family members can rest assured that their loved one is getting the best care possible in the case that their condition flairs up, or they face an emergency.

• Mobility Assistance

If the senor must use the restroom at night, the overnight caregiver can help. This way the senior can get to the restroom safely with the help of the caregiver.

• Erratic Behavior

Dementia can cause a change in personality and emotional outbursts. Leaving a senior with dementia at home at night can be dangerous, so having an overnight caregiver can help prevent the seniors with these conditions from facing dangerous situations.

• Medication Schedules

Forgetting to take medications is common behavior for the elderly, especially if they are alone. Some medications such as the ones for blood pressure, must be taken regularly to avoid bad consequences. An overnight caregiver can remind the senior to take the medication before bed.

• Forgetfulness

For those seniors that are extremely forgetful, it can be very beneficial to have an overnight caregiver. Seniors who are forgetful can leave the stove on and even leave their doors open. A highly qualified overnight caregiver can monitor their environment and help keep them safe.

• Depression

As seniors get older, they can have depressive thoughts. An overnight caregiver can help support them emotionally and provide companionship to help prevent them from harming themselves while they are in a depressed state.

Other Tips for Overnight Care You Should Know

• Keep your loved one safe at night by making sure that their home is locked to prevent them from wandering at night.
• Install motion sensor lights in the hallways to help them find their way to the restroom at night.
• The path from the bedroom to the bathroom should be clear of any items in case the senior gets up to get water or a snack.
• Limit their caffeine intake before bed and encourage exercise to help with sleep.
• Waterproof the mattress if they are facing incontinence issues.

We can give you peace of mind by providing compassionate and quality care for your loved one. Our highly trained caregivers will supervise and ensure the safety of your senior loved ones by providing overnight care. Whether your loved one is needing care after a surgical procedure or requires overnight care due to a condition, we are here to help. Our caregivers for example are experienced in helping seniors after surgical procedures. In this state, seniors require additional care with moving to a more comfortable position, or they may need help to take medications for pain, or to get around the home. Our overnight caregivers are highly trained to ensure the safety of your loved one while providing care that will ensure they are treated with dignity and compassion.

Is your loved one in need of 24-hour in-home care or overnight care? If so, Assisting Hands can help. You can rest easy as our highly skilled caregivers will provide the care your loved one needs. We serve Coppell, Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Richardson, and the surrounding areas. Call us at (214) 760-6944 to learn more.