Night time dementia care at home
Dedicated night time dementia care at home from trained, experienced Care Professionals who can provide overnight support to ensure the safety of those living with dementia.
What is night time dementia care?
Dementia often requires bespoke support to effectively manage symptoms like memory loss, communication issues, impaired decision making, and struggles with daily tasks. Around 900,000 people in the UK currently live with dementia, and night time care offers many health and wellbeing benefits for these individuals and their families.
Night time dementia care may involve:
- Personal care at bedtime, like help changing into nightwear and brushing teeth
- Administering evening medications
- Ensuring safety and responding to any emergencies quickly
- Emotional support and companionship to avoid loneliness
Managing symptoms of “sundowning”, which causes some people with dementia to display extreme behavioural changes at sundown, such as agitation and fear
Why might night time dementia care at home be important for older adults?
Some behavioural changes in dementia include heightened paranoia, wandering, hallucinations, delusions, fear, and sleep disturbances. Overnight care may be the best way to effectively manage these at home, where familiar surroundings can improve quality of life for those with dementia.
Studies show that those living with dementia are more frequently admitted to hospital than those without this condition, so if you are worried about leaving a family member alone overnight, having night time dementia care could help them, and you, feel safer and more comfortable. This may be particularly important if they are prone to wandering, sundowning, or leaving on appliances that could pose a danger to themselves or someone else.
Does my loved one need night time dementia care?
Many older adults with dementia benefit from remaining in their own home for as long as possible, but it is important to recognise when it becomes time for them to receive more help. At a certain point, it may no longer be beneficial for families to attempt to manage issues like sundowning alone, and night time dementia care could be the best option.
If it is not clear whether your loved one needs additional help, a Care Needs Assessment could determine this, or your GP may be able to give you an indication of when it may be time to bring in night time dementia care as a form of respite care. Doing so can help to ensure you are well-rested, positive, and able to continue providing your loved one with the best care at all points of the day and night.
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
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I am very happy with the support, care and kindness I receive from all the staff of Home Instead.B.M, Client
Home Instead have been looking after my father for a few years now, without them we would not be able to manage having him living in his own home. They are always bright and cheerful and Dad enjoys seeing them.Bridget, Clients Family
My mum receives excellent care from Home Instead. They are all very caring, friendly, organised and help my mum to feel happy, safe and well cared for in her own home. The carers are very good at communicating with the office and in turn the office are great at communicating any concerns to me as situations arise.Jane, Client's Family
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How to get started arranging night time dementia care
Knowing your loved one is being watched over by a professional can help you sleep better, avoid carer’s burnout, and enjoy the comfort of knowing they are safe with our Care Professionals. We take the time to understand your loved one’s unique dementia-related needs, and pair them with an experienced and highly trained Care Professional.
Whatever you worry about–falls, wandering, loneliness, or something else–night time dementia care ensures your loved one always has a friendly face around to help. Our Care Professionals are flexible and adaptable to your situation, so whether you want to begin with just a few nights of overnight respite care, or make sure there is always someone around with live-in care, we can help.
Why Home Instead?
Our Care Professionals are trained to deliver dementia care that has been specially developed using a unique programme accredited by City & Guilds. Designed for the home care environment, our dementia care was created by dementia specialists and key medical practitioners from around the world.
We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations also rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
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FAQs
How can home care help manage night-time restlessness in individuals with dementia?
Our Care Professionals can establish calming bedtime routines, create a comfortable sleep environment, and use techniques like soothing music or gentle reassurance to help reduce agitation and promote better sleep.
What can home care do to ensure safety during the night?
Care Professionals can monitor the individual to prevent wandering, falls, or other safety risks. This includes using motion sensors, ensuring clear pathways, and assisting with nighttime toileting to avoid accidents.
How do home care teams handle sundowning symptoms at night?
Sundowning, or increased confusion and agitation in the evening, can be managed with structured routines, dim lighting, and calming activities. Care Professionals provide reassurance, and adapt care to ease these symptoms.
Can home care assist with nighttime toileting needs?
Yes, Care Professionals can provide discreet assistance with toileting, incontinence care, and hygiene during the night, ensuring the individual remains comfortable and maintains their dignity.
How does home care provide emotional support during the night?
Care Professionals offer companionship and reassurance to reduce feelings of anxiety, fear, or confusion that may arise at night. Their presence provides a sense of security, helping individuals feel calm and cared for.
Diane WIlliams , Head of Quality & Standards
Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.
Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.
In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.