Overnight care at home

Overnight care means a professional carer is present in the home throughout the night, typically from 8 pm to 8 am.

Support can include:

• Help with toileting and mobility

• Medication reminders

• Repositioning to prevent discomfort

• Reassurance during confusion or anxiety

• Monitoring for wandering or falls

• A calm presence if your loved one wakes distressed

For families supporting someone living with dementia, overnight care often reduces nighttime risks and restores rest for everyone involved.

Overnight care at home is often suitable if your loved one:

• Wakes frequently and needs reassurance

• Is at risk of falls or wandering at night

• Feels anxious or disoriented after dark

• Needs help getting to the bathroom

• Lives with dementia or cognitive impairment

• Is recovering from illness or hospital discharge

It may not be the right fit if continuous clinical intervention is required overnight – in those cases, we’ll guide you toward nursing-led support.

Sleeping night care

A carer sleeps in the home but is available if needed.

Best for: People who are usually settled but may need occasional help overnight.

Typical cost: £100–£120 per night

Waking night care

The carer remains awake and alert throughout the night.

Best for: People needing frequent assistance, supervision, or reassurance, including many people living with dementia.

Typical cost: around £250 per night

Overnight nursing care

Delivered by a qualified nurse for medical needs.

Best for: Complex conditions, clinical monitoring, or post-hospital recovery.

Typical cost: from £20 per hour

Live-in care (including overnight support)

One consistent carer provides 24-hour support.

Best for: Long-term or progressing needs where continuity is essential.

Typical cost: from £1,270 per week

Overnight care at home offers safety and reassurance while preserving dignity and routine.

Local council support

After a care assessment, councils may contribute toward costs depending on needs and financial circumstances.

NHS funding

Some individuals qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare or short-term support after hospital discharge.

Self-funding

Many families use savings, pensions, or personal health budgets. We help you explore the most appropriate and sustainable option.

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.

• Doctor-founded, clinically guided care

• Specialist experience supporting people living with dementia

• Personalised matching – a carer who clicks

• Custom care plans with ongoing clinical oversight

• Clear guidance for families at every stage

We don’t rush decisions. We help you understand them.

If you’re considering overnight care at home for an elderly parent or someone living with dementia, a short conversation can help clarify the right level of nighttime support.

Our care experts will:

• Talk through waking night vs sleeping night care

• Explain costs and funding options clearly

• Help you understand whether overnight care is appropriate now or later

• Offer guidance based on clinical experience – not sales targets

There’s no obligation to proceed. Just clear, professional advice so you can make an informed decision about night care at home.

Speak to a care expert about overnight care today.

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.