Sleep-in vs wake-in Care

What is sleep-in care? 

Sleep-in care is a type of overnight care where a caregiver sleeps within an older person’s home overnight to provide care when needed. This is usually arranged for older people who:

• Have health or care needs that are not considered intensive, and don’t need constant check-ins
• Prefer company in the home to minimise loneliness – data shows 1.4 million older people in the UK say they are often lonely, so having someone in the home could help
• Need mobility assistance to reach the bathroom or manage incontinence
• Need regular medication management overnight
• Have mild dementia and would feel safer with sleep-in care

There are many benefits to sleep-in care, including peace of mind for families. You can learn more in our guide to what overnight care is.

Does my older loved one need sleep-in care or wake-in care?

Whether your loved one needs sleep-in care or wake-in care will be determined by their level of dependence on others. Sleep-in care may be sufficient to address their needs if they usually sleep through the night but occasionally need help, or would feel safer knowing they are not alone. Wake-in care is more suitable for those with frequent needs who wake overnight in need of assistance to move around, take medications, get comfortable, or something else.

This may be especially helpful for those living with dementia who tend to experience more fear, worry, and potential wandering. It helps to discuss their preference, speak to their GP about any dangers of leaving them unsupervised overnight, and consider what their most frequent needs are.

Why Home Instead?

Private home care can usually offer the most flexible and consistent care services, so your older loved one can benefit from continuity of care within their home. If you are considering private care, our dedicated team can help design the ideal overnight care package to suit your loved one’s needs, while matching them with a Care Professional who complements their personality, respects their boundaries while staying in their home, and understands any worries they have about living independently.

We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and our aim is to make sure you and your loved one feel as comfortable as possible with your bespoke arrangement.