Overnight care at home

• Overnight care provides reassurance and safety for elderly people who may need help with mobility, medication, or reassurance during the night.
• Costs vary depending on care type and needs – sleeping night care typically costs £100-120 per night, while waking night care is around £250 per night.
• Funding support is available through local councils, the NHS, or personal health budgets, helping families find affordable and reliable overnight care.

Overnight care involves professional caregivers providing support during nighttime hours, typically from 8 pm to 8 am. A night carer can assist with toileting, medication, repositioning, and ensuring safety while the client sleeps. For those with dementia, overnight care also helps reduce confusion and the risk of wandering.

It makes sure help is available at any time during the night, offering reassurance both to the person receiving care and to their family members.

The cost of overnight care varies depending on the level of support required, location, and caregiver experience. Below is an overview of typical Hometouch care costs (as of May 2025):

On average, overnight care at home costs between £100 and £150 per night, depending on the type of service, location, and carer qualifications. Hourly rates are typically around £30 per hour, making nightly rates the more affordable choice when consistent care is needed. Costs can vary based on the number of hours booked, the complexity of care tasks, and whether the carer provides additional services such as mobility or medication assistance.

It’s natural to feel unsure about night care, but having someone there can make all the difference for both safety and peace of mind. Overnight care can take two main forms: waking night or sleeping night support. 

In a waking night, the carer stays awake for the full shift, providing continuous supervision and immediate help if your loved one wakes, feels disoriented, or needs medication. This option is best for people who need frequent assistance or close monitoring, such as those living with dementia or recovering from illness. Waking night care typically costs around £250 per night, depending on hours and complexity.

A sleeping night is more cost-effective, with the carer resting but available if needed, for example, to help with toileting or respond to distress. It suits individuals who are usually settled through the night but benefit from occasional support. Sleeping night care generally costs £100-120 per night, or about £10 per hour.

Having overnight care in place brings peace of mind for families and comfort for your loved one. It ensures safety, dignity, and a quick response to any issues during the night, allowing everyone to rest easier knowing help is always close by.

Local council funding eligibility

Your local council may offer funding if your loved one requires support due to illness, disability, or age-related needs. After a care assessment, the council determines the level of help required and whether financial support is available. Funding can cover all or part of the cost, depending on income and savings.

NHS help

If your loved one requires medical supervision at night, the NHS may provide financial assistance through Continuing Healthcare (CHC) or NHS-funded nursing care. Eligibility is based on an assessment of medical needs. In some cases, short-term NHS funding may also be available after a hospital stay.

Self-funding considerations

If your loved one doesn’t qualify for public funding, you may need to self-fund overnight care. Families often use savings, pension income, or assets to cover costs. Planning ahead and comparing care options can help you budget effectively and find the most affordable solution for your needs.

Cost-saving options

There are ways to reduce expenses while maintaining quality care:

• Choose sleeping night care if full-time supervision isn’t required.
• Share care with another family if feasible.
• Explore personal health budgets for more flexible funding.
• Use technology like fall sensors or monitoring systems to complement carer support.

Night sitting service

A night sitter stays overnight to provide reassurance and light assistance. This is ideal for those who occasionally wake up anxious or disoriented but don’t need medical attention. Costs start around £80 per night or £200 per day for a live-in sitter.

Overnight nursing care

Overnight nursing care involves a qualified nurse delivering specialised medical support, such as wound care, injections, or medication management. This service is best suited for individuals with complex medical conditions or those recovering from hospital treatment.

Live-in care

Live-in carers provide continuous 24-hour support, including overnight help. This arrangement offers stability and companionship, particularly for those with advanced dementia or mobility challenges. Costs start from £1,200 per week and vary depending on needs and location.

Having overnight support means everyone can rest easier. For family caregivers, it offers respite and reassurance that someone is always available to help. For your loved one, it allows for comfort, safety, and dignity through the night.

Overnight carers can assist with personal care, monitor for falls, help with mobility, and manage medication. Their presence can calm anxiety and prevent nighttime wandering, especially in those living with dementia. Whether you choose sleeping night care, waking night care, or live-in support, having a reliable professional at home ensures safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

At Hometouch, we help families find compassionate, qualified carers tailored to individual needs and budgets. From dementia night care to full-time live-in arrangements, we’re here to help you explore your options and make informed decisions.