Overnight care involves a professional caregiver staying in the home during night time hours. This can range from ‘sleep-in care’, where the caregiver sleeps on-site but is available if needed, to ‘waking nights’, where the caregiver stays awake to monitor and assist the person throughout the night.

Reasons Why Someone Might Need Overnight Care

For some, the dark hours bring disorientation, restlessness, or a greater risk of accidents. For others, it’s simply the comfort of knowing someone is close by.

At Premier Community, we believe no one should feel alone when they’re most vulnerable. Our overnight care service is designed to bring reassurance, safety, and a peaceful night’s sleep—whether it’s just for a short time or part of an ongoing care plan.

1. Regular Night-Time Waking

It’s normal for older adults to wake during the night, but without the right support, these moments can become confusing or even unsafe. Whether it’s needing the bathroom, struggling to get back into bed, or managing pain, a carer can be there to offer quiet, respectful help.

2. Increased Risk of Falls

Night-time falls are one of the most common reasons older people are admitted to hospital. Reduced visibility, poor balance, and the effects of certain medications can make even short journeys (like getting to the bathroom) dangerous. A carer’s presence can prevent these risks and provide immediate help if needed.

3. Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease

Conditions like dementia can affect a person’s sleep cycle, leading to confusion, wandering, or agitation at night. This is often referred to as ‘sundowning’. An overnight carer can gently redirect, provide companionship, and ensure the individual stays safe and calm throughout the night.

4. Incontinence Care

Needing help with continence or personal hygiene at night can be distressing without support. Our carers are trained to assist discreetly, preserving dignity and ensuring the individual remains comfortable and clean.

5. Palliative or End-of-Life Support

At such a sensitive time, overnight care offers compassionate, quiet support that can make all the difference. We work alongside district nurses, GPs, and family members to ensure care is holistic, respectful, and tailored to the person’s wishes.

6. Recent Hospital Discharge

After surgery or an illness, overnight care can be vital in the recovery process. From help with moving safely, to medication reminders, to simply offering reassurance in unfamiliar routines, having someone there can make the transition back home much smoother.

7. Carer Respite

Caring for a loved one 24/7 is physically and emotionally demanding. Overnight care allows family carers to get the rest they need, knowing that someone experienced and kind is staying with their loved one through the night.

Benefits of Overnight Care for the Elderly

The value of overnight care goes beyond the practical—it’s about emotional reassurance and improved quality of life for everyone involved.

For the person receiving care:

• A better night’s sleep, free from worry

• Support with safe mobility, hygiene, and comfort

• Less anxiety or fear of being alone at night

For family and carers:

• Peace of mind, knowing help is at hand
• Improved well-being, thanks to much-needed rest
• Confidence that their loved one is safe, respected, and cared for

Types of Overnight Care Packages We Offer

At Premier Community, we believe care should adapt to your needs, not the other way around. Whether you need support for a few nights a week, following hospital discharge, or as part of a longer-term care arrangement, we’re here to help.

Currently, we are able to offer ‘Waking Night Care,’ also known as ‘Night Sits, ‘ for our service users. In this care, a carer will be present throughout the night to provide ongoing support should you or your loved one need assistance. Our overnight carers are carefully selected and fully trained to deliver compassionate, person-centred care—always with dignity, warmth, and professionalism.

How much does it cost to have a carer overnight?

As of February 2025, the average cost for an overnight care package through Premier Community is £274.41, covering approximately 9 hours between 10 pm and 7 am. Please be advised that this is only an estimate based on the presence of one carer, and additional charges may apply for an out-of-area sit, double-up care, or in line with annual price increases.

Resources

To read more about how Dementia can affect sleep patterns, please click on the following link:
https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/living-with-dementia/dementia-and-sleep/

If you are an unpaid carer and are seeking additional information about the support that is available to you, please visit:
https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/your-health-and-wellbeing/getting-enough-sleep/