There are many responsibilities that fall on the shoulders of caregivers. Whatever the reasons for care being needed, the day may come when you need some external input. It is important to recognize that this is not a failure; sometimes it is just necessary. If you notice any of the signs in the guide below, these are valid reasons for seeking out overnight care and lightening the load a little.
So, What is Overnight Care?
Overnight care covers a number of bases. First, and most simply, it provides a level of care during the nighttime hours. This could be anything from assisting with medication routines to helping with hygiene factors. Nighttime is a stressful time for full-time carers,and an overnight nurse care program shown here by Cooperate Home Care moves to alleviate some of the stresses and concerns.
Sign One: You’re Tired Out
As a carer, you will often feel tired. However, when that tiredness ticks over into exhaustion, this becomes a problem for your well-being. You can’t look after someone with a half empty glass, and sleep is one of the most important things for supporting our general coping and health. Having someone take the night shift will, in turn, make sure that you get enough rest to replenish and fully engage with what needs to happen during the day.
There Is a Major Fall or Injury Risk
When your loved one is prone to falling, there is a real problem that needs managing here. Even if you wake up in the night to take care of medication and other needs, you can’t always ensure that you are there every time they move or wake. If they are a fall risk during the day, there is a good chance that this carries on into the nighttime hours. A carer will be on hand to make sure this doesn’t happen, and therefore avoid injury that could lead to a decline in their health.
Help Is Needed with Medication
Some types of medication have regular schedules over a 24 hour period. This can be extremely disruptive to your sleep pattern, and there is a risk that you forget or don’t wake up for an essential intervention. An overnight care nurse eliminates this risk entirely because they are professionally trained to manage this type of schedule.
Frequent Bathroom Visits
Bathroom visits are much the same. Elderly people, regardless of what condition they’re dealing with, experience an increase in bladder needs during the night. When you are looking after a loved one, this can be a particularly sensitive area and difficult for both parties because of the natural embarrassment around intimate care. It is easier to manage this with professional input.
There is empowerment in securing a proper level of support so that life can continue with minimal disruption. Overnight care regimes can be implemented for many reasons. Usually, it is to make everyone’s life easier. Ensuring maximum support and routine is a must for anyone that requires a constant level of carer input, and this option improves well-being all around.
