(651)330-2550
spotify icon
Make a ReferralBest Care Connection

What Is an Overnight Caregiver?

June 24, 2022

Nighttime can present unique challenges for some recipients of home care. Some people require specialist care during the night, and some family caregivers may not be able to help during the night.

As a result, overnight caregivers can be a way to tackle those nighttime challenges. Here’s a look at what an overnight caregiver does and how it differs from traditional PCA services.

Note: Best Care offers “Night Supervision” services through our 245D program

What Are An Overnight Caregiver’s Duties?

An overnight caregiver stays awake and on duty throughout the night at the recipient of care’s home for the entirety of what usually amounts to an 8- or 12-hour shift. Unlike a live-in carer or a PCA, an overnight caregiver will often not sleep during the night.

Some overnight caregivers may sleep for periods of time during the night, depending on the needs of the recipient of care. However, they will wake up as required and be on call for anything necessary.

Overnight caregiver duties are often tailored to the needs of the individual. They might provide assistance to:

  • Seniors with dementia
  • Seniors at risk of falling
  • People recovering from surgery
  • Insomniacs
  • Those who need overnight machinery, like a feeding tube, that could require maintenance

The main priority of the overnight caregiver is to provide assistance to the recipient of care if they wake up or need support while asleep. However, duties can also include:

  • Toileting support
  • Reorientation support
  • Help with getting in and out of bed
  • Safely moving to and from the bathroom or around the house
  • Making food
  • Light housekeeping

How Does Overnight Caregiving Differ From PCA Services?

Many of these duties sound similar to what is offered by personal care assistants. However, the key difference is that a PCA will usually not work during the night.

An overnight caregiver is there to provide assistance during these specific hours, whereas a PCA will visit during the daytime hours.

Best Care offers “Night Supervision” services through our 245D program.

How To Start With Overnight Caregiving

If you think overnight care could help improve the quality of life of your loved one, the first step is to find a provider that offers it as a service.

At Best Care, we are dedicated to helping you find the right care for your circumstances. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you have and we’ll do our best to help.

A caregiver touching the hand of a client
Post Categories
Share with a Friend
Skip to content