For seniors experiencing memory or mobility issues, round-the-clock care is often crucial. But providing constant care for your own loved one can prove challenging or impossible—after all, it’s more than a full-time job. Hiring a home care aide to provide overnight care can deliver much peace of mind, while giving you a respite. Let’s discuss the key reasons and benefits for choosing overnight elder care to ensure your loved one’s safety and comfort.
Waking Up Frequently
If your loved one wakes up frequently, they may be ready for overnight care. Dementia can bring disruptions to seniors’ circadian rhythm, leading to more frequent waking during the night. Combined with any of the following issues, that can present a safety hazard if seniors are alone in the house.
Needing Assistance with Mobility
If your loved one needs assistance with getting to the bathroom, overnight care will help ensure their safety and comfort. Not having help with mobility could lead to falls, particularly when rising from bed at night.
Experiencing Confusion
People with dementia are often prone to feeling confused or agitated when awakening at night. If your loved one wakes up confused or agitated, an in-home care aide can provide reassurance. A good elder care aide will help your loved one relax and get back to bed. This emotional support will enhance overall wellness.
Wandering
For seniors who are prone to wandering, overnight care serves as a vital safety measure. Even if they haven’t wandered yet, consider whether they’re displaying warning signs:
- Feeling restless
- Wanting to “go home”
- Not recognizing their surroundings
- Growing frequently agitated
- Forgetting what they’re doing
- Shadowing their caregiver
If your loved one is engaging in these types of behaviors, it’s probably time for overnight care.
Requiring Round-the-Clock Medical Care
If your loved one requires regular medication that they may not remember on their own, overnight care can help. Likewise, if they need supervision to monitor a medical condition, home care might be crucial.
Needing Help with Establishing a Sleep Routine
Many seniors don’t get enough sleep, and an overnight care aide can help them create a good bedtime routine. A caregiver can play relaxing music and encourage your loved one to engage in calming activities before bed, for instance. They can also provide reminders that it’s bedtime, prompting your loved one to brush their teeth and put on pajamas.
A professional caregiver providing overnight care will stay awake throughout the entire shift. They may also quietly complete other light duties, like meal prep or tidying up the living space, during this time. Whenever your loved one wakes, they can tend to their needs while fostering a sense of calm. Schedule a free nurse consultation call to discuss the benefits of overnight care for your loved one.
Image credit: ©KatarzynaBialasiewicz via Canva.com
