Caring for a loved one is hard at the best of times, but especially at night. Elderly relatives may need to use the bathroom, take medication, and so on. And if they have dementia, the early hours are prime time for wandering.
This is where overnight carers can help.
With night-time carers in the home, your loved one has someone there to offer support, reassurance, and quick assistance whenever they need it.
We know the cost of overnight care can feel daunting, but understanding your options can make all the difference. In this article, we break down the types of night care available, what they cost, and where you can find help paying for them.
By the end, you’ll have the information you need to make confident, informed choices for your family.
What is overnight care?
Overnight care refers to caregiving services offered during the nighttime hours, typically from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. This care includes assistance with toileting, medication, repositioning, and safety monitoring while the client sleeps.
Overnight care ensures support and peace of mind for individuals who need supervision throughout the night. For example, an elderly person recovering from surgery might need help getting in and out of bed. Or, someone with dementia may be confused or anxious during the night and need support.
Average overnight care costs
Overnight carer costs vary based on the type of care required, the caregiver’s qualifications, and geographic location. Here’s an overview of typical costs:
| Type of care | Description | Cost* | Best for |
| Sleeping night care | Carer sleeps but is available for assistance when needed | £200 per night | Patients who are mostly settled but may need occasional help with things like moving or toileting |
| Waking night care | Carer is awake and alert throughout the night | £250 per night | People who require frequent assistance and supervision, like dementia patients with wandering risk |
| Overnight nursing care | A qualified nurse provides specialised medical care | Around £2,780 per week | Those with medical needs requiring clinical skills, like injections or other medication |
| Live-in night care | A 24-hour live-in care package | £200 per day for less than one week, minus carer transport costs £1,270 for one week minimum, minus carer transport costs | Long-term comprehensive care needs, like individuals with advanced chronic conditions or severe mobility limitations |
*Costs are based on Hometouch services at the time of publishing (aside from overnight nursing care) in May 2025.
Waking night or sleeping night: Do overnight caregivers sleep?
It depends on the type of overnight care you choose.
If you hire a carer for a waking night, they remain awake to assist with night time duties like toileting or minimising nighttime agitation. A sleeping night allows the carer to sleep, but may require occasional waking to support the patient.
For example, they might need to help someone to the bathroom, administer medication, or respond to a fall or sudden distress. The carer is typically provided with a bed or rest area for the night.
Sleeping nights are typically more cost-effective than waking nights. The level of activity and supervision is lower, but they still offer reassurance and safety for those vulnerable during the night.
Why overnight care?
A reliable overnight carer can make a huge difference to your ability to function on a daily basis. Having someone help with the heavy lifting of caring for someone else allows you time to relax and recharge.
Let’s take a look at the benefits (and a few others) in more detail:
- Everyone gets a good night’s sleep. When a carer is on hand through the night, you and your family member can sleep soundly. There are no late-night worries or constant checking in because you know someone’s there if needed.
- Safety, every step of the night. Falls, confusion, or medical issues can happen without warning in the late hours of the night. Having a skilled carer there means help is immediate, preventing small issues from turning into emergencies.
- Gentle help with personal care. Whether it’s getting to the bathroom, repositioning to stay comfortable, or managing medications, overnight carers provide discreet and respectful support. This not only protects health, but preserves patient dignity.
- A calming presence during anxious hours. Nights can be unsettling, especially for those living with dementia or recovering from illness. A familiar and reassuring carer can ease anxiety, reduce restlessness, and create a calmer environment for you and your family member.
- Monitoring health through the night. Carers can spot symptoms, monitor breathing or temperature, and take action quickly if something changes. This vigilance can prevent unnecessary complications and ensure patients are comfortable through the night.
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How much does overnight care cost for the elderly?
Home care overnight rates vary depending on:
- The type of care. Different types of care, like sleeping night care or waking night care, vary in price depending on how much help and attention is needed. The more support you need, the higher the cost.
- Location. The cost of overnight care for elderly changes based on where you live. For example, larger cities are usually more expensive than rural spots because of higher demand and living costs.
- Caregiver experience and qualifications. More experienced carers (or those with special skills, like dementia or palliative care) usually cost more because of their expertise.
- Duration of care. The longer you book care, the more likely you are to get a discount. For instance, a monthly rate will likely work out cheaper per hour than a single night.
- Additional services. Extra services, such as assistance with medication or mobility support can increase the overall cost of overnight care.
Although there are lots of variables that can influence price, the typical cost of night care for elderly in the UK is between £100-150 per night*. The hourly rate is typically around £30 for an overnight carer, so using a Hometouch carer with a nightly rate is more cost-effective.
*Based on Hometouch prices at the time of publishing (May 2025).
Related topic: Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Sleeping night care
Sleeping night care means that a carer is available in case of an incident, but that they don’t need to be awake and alert at all times. This care is best for those who are mostly settled during the night, but may need help with things like getting to the toilet.
The needs of the care recipient often determine the price. If your loved one needs care every few hours, the carer may charge more than if they only need help a few times during the night.
In general, overnight carers cost between £100-120* per night, which works out to £10 per hour.
*Based on Hometouch prices at the time of publishing (May 2025).
Waking night care
A waking night carer stays awake to provide close supervision for your loved one. They either stay in the room with them or remain alert in a room nearby—whatever you prefer.
Waking night care is more expensive. The carer is unable to work during the day, so they earn their full wage during the night shift. Overnight senior care is generally popular with carers because of the favourable pay rates.
Waking night care is usually charged at the carer’s hourly rate. For example, if the carer charges £31 per hour, and you need them for 8 hours, you pay at least £248 per night.
Prices change depending on the number of hours required. If you need help with the bedtime and morning routines, you may require 10-12 hours of care. If you only need someone on hand while your loved one sleeps, you may only need 6-8 hours.
Can I get help to pay for overnight care?
Paying for overnight care can be a significant financial burden, but there are ways to ease costs. Understanding the available financial help is key to making sure your loved one gets the care they need.
Here are some of the ways to get help with funding overnight care:
Local council funding eligibility
If you’re considering overnight care for a loved one, your local council may be able to help with funding—especially if the person has care needs related to illness, disability, or old age.
To check if you’re eligible, schedule a care assessment from your local authority. This assessment will determine the level of care your loved one needs and whether the council will provide financial support.
If they qualify, the council may cover part or all of the care costs depending on the individual’s financial situation.
However, if your loved one has savings or income above a certain threshold, you may need to contribute to the costs.
NHS help
In some cases, the NHS may be able to assist with funding overnight care if your loved one requires specialist medical care during the night. For example, if your loved one qualifies for Continuing Healthcare (CHC), the NHS will fully cover their care costs.
To see if this is an option, your loved one will need an assessment by a healthcare professional. If they’re eligible, the NHS will cover some or all of the care costs—including overnight support.
If the care is part of recovery following a hospital stay, NHS-funded home care could also be an option, reducing the financial burden.
Self-funding considerations
If you’re ineligible for local council or NHS funding, you may need to self-fund overnight care. This means paying for the full cost of care privately, which can become expensive.
Budget carefully and explore different care options to find the most cost-effective option. You might want to look into various care agencies to compare prices and service offerings.
It’s also worth checking if any insurance policies or life insurance plans offer support for long-term care. Some policies may provide financial assistance to ease the financial burden.
Cost saving options
Overnight care can be costly, but there are several ways to reduce expenses without sacrificing quality.
Here are some options to consider:
- Shared care. If you coordinate care with others in a similar situation, you can split the cost of a carer’s time and lower your expenses.
- Choosing a less intensive care option. If your loved one doesn’t need constant supervision, opt for sleeping night care instead of waking night care (which is the more cost-effective option).
- Personal health budgets. Some people may be eligible for a personal health budget from the NHS, which gives individuals more control over how their care funds are spent.
What other types of night care for the elderly at home are available?
Here’s a closer look at some of the other types of night care available at home:
Night-sitting service
Night sitters for the elderly are available on both an overnight and live-in basis. Live-in sitters typically cost £200/day, while an overnight visit may be as little as £80/night.*
“A night sitter is a great choice when your loved one needs reassurance or occasional help during the night, without full medical support” — Grace Ball, Clinical Governance Manager at Hometouch.
*Based on Hometouch prices at the time of publishing (May 2025).
Live-in care
For a 24/7 live-in carer, you can expect to pay upwards of £1,000* per week. The exact price depends on the carer’s experience, the level of support your loved one needs, and whether they require help with medical tasks.
“Live-in care works well when someone needs round-the-clock support — it helps maintain independence at home while giving families peace of mind.” — Dimple Chandarana, Head of Clinical Governance and Registered Manager at Hometouch.
*Based on Hometouch prices at the time of publishing (May 2025).
Related topic: Cancer Care For The Elderly
Peace of mind: Ensuring your loved one’s safety and comfort
Overnight care offers essential support, ensuring your loved one is safe and comfortable when you’re not around. While costs vary, there are options and financial assistance to make care more affordable.
At Hometouch, we help you find the right care for your loved one’s needs and budget. We offer different care options, including dementia night care, live-in carers, or private overnight carers.
Want to talk through your options? Our Care Advisors are here to help—no pressure, just guidance.
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Jane has over 20 years’ experience as a health writer and TV presenter. Jane writes on a wide variety of clinical and care topics – from explaining the latest studies and research to unpacking conditions and discussing treatment options. Jane holds a MBBS degree from Imperial College, London and spent seven years working in the NHS.
