Night Time Carers Costs: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

Caring for an elderly loved one can be challenging, especially when it comes to night time care. As the primary caregiver, you might be wondering about the costs of night time carers and what they can do to help your elderly parent, whilst keeping yourself sane. In this article, we lay out the cost of night time carers and the services they provide, including the differences between waking night carers and sleeping night carers.

Waking night care costs between £140 to £240 per night, with the normal cost coming in at £150-£160 per night. Sleeping night carer costs between £104 to £180 per night, with the normal costs coming in at £130-£145 per night.

PrimeCarers can help you connect with private carers that provide quality services at competitive prices.

What Do Night Time Carers Do?

Night time carers usually start between 7 pm and 10 pm and work until 7 am to 10 am. They typically working for 9-12 hours, and their main responsibilities include:

1. Assisting with bedtime routine: Night time carers help the elderly person prepare for bed by assisting with tasks such as changing into nightclothes, ensuring the bedroom is comfortable, and helping with any required medications. They can also provide companionship and support to ease the transition to bedtime.
2. Personal care, such as bathing and dressing: Carers can help with essential personal care tasks, including bathing, grooming, and dressing. They ensure that the elderly person maintains good hygiene and feels comfortable in their clothing, while also preserving their dignity and independence.
3. Managing sundowning issues for dementia patients: Sundowning is a common symptom of dementia, where agitation and confusion increase in the late afternoon and evening. Night time carers are trained to handle these situations: using calming techniques and by providing a structured routine to reduce anxiety they know how to help a person settle for the night.
4. Providing assistance with toileting and manual handling throughout the night: Night time carers can help elderly individuals who require support with toileting and mobility during the night. This can include assistance with getting in and out of bed, using the toilet, or adjusting their position to prevent bedsores and ensure comfort.
5. Helping with morning routine, personal care, and breakfast: As the night shift comes to an end, carers can assist with morning tasks such as waking up, personal care, and preparing breakfast. They ensure the elderly person starts their day on a positive note and is ready for the day ahead.

There are two types of night time carers: waking night carers and sleeping night carers. Let’s take a closer look at their roles and, this what impacts the night time carers costs.

Waking Night Care Duties

Waking night carers are on duty throughout the night to provide assistance and support to the elderly person as needed. They may help with safe toileting, manual handling, and other tasks that require attention. Waking night carers are particularly helpful for individuals who require constant supervision or are at risk of falling or experiencing other health issues during the night. Waking night carers are typically expected to get up 3 times or more each night.

Sleeping Night Care Duties

Sleeping night carers offer a sense of security and stand ready to help during the night if needed. They typically sleep in a separate room and respond when the elderly person calls for assistance. Sleeping night carers are a suitable option for those who need minimal support during the night but still want the reassurance that someone is there if needed. Sleeping night carers are expected to get up a maximum of 2-3 times per night.

The Cost of Night Time Carers

The cost of night time carers varies depending on the level of care required and the carer’s experience. Night time carers typically cost £13 to £20 per hour. They usually work for about 9 to 12 hours, making the total cost range from £104 to £240 per night. On average, a sleeping night carer might cost around £130, while a waking night carer could be closer to £160. The price varies based on several factors. The fewer times the carer needs to get up and the less work required during those times, the lower the cost will be. Now lets look into the two key areas, Sleeping nights and waking nights.

Waking Night Care Costs

Waking night carers usually charge £15 to £20 per hour and work for 8 to 12 hours, costing between £120 and £240 per night. The wide range considers various factors affecting night time care. Most patients need 3 to 7 get-ups during the night, so the typical cost is around £150 to £160.

Sleeping Night Care Costs

Sleeping night carers generally charge £13 to £16 per hour and work for 8 to 12 hours, costing between £104 and £192 per night. The range takes into account different factors affecting night time care. However, most patients with sleeping carers have fewer needs during the night, so the usual cost falls between £120 and £144 per night.

PrimeCarers can help you find the best carers for your loved one.

Factors That Affect Night Time Carers Costs

Several factors can influence the cost of night time carers costs, including:

1. How much care is needed affects the cost. Things like emotions, hard work, where you live, the carer’s skill, and type of care matter. Caring for someone with bad dementia or using special gear can cost more. This is because it’s harder and needs special training. Learn more about the costs of private care here.
2. Carer’s experience and qualifications: More experienced carers with higher qualifications tend to charge higher rates. They have a better understanding of the job, leading to improved care for your loved one.
3. Location and demand for carers: In high-demand areas like London, carer costs may be higher. In areas with low population density, carers may charge more due to longer travel distances and their scarcity.
4. Carer’s employment status: Self-employed carers might charge different rates compared to those working through an agency. Agency fees can impact the total cost. Learn more about the cost of private care and finding the right carer from this article.

It’s crucial to carefully consider these factors when choosing a night time carer for your elderly loved one.

Additional Considerations

When hiring a night time carer, you may also want to consider:

1. Qualifications, such as carer training and certifications: More qualified carers charge more. They could use their skills in other jobs and earn more.
2. Experience with specific conditions, such as dementia or Parkinson’s: Some conditions, like dementia or heavy patients, are harder to manage.
3. Ability to handle emergencies and provide first aid: Better-trained carers in emergencies cost more, but your loved one is safer.
4. Communication skills and their ability to establish a rapport with your loved one: Good rapport makes the job easier and may cost less.
5. The carer’s flexibility in adapting to your loved one’s needs and preferences: Can the carer adapt and let you or others help? This can affect the cost.
6. Your flexibility on the hours and days they work: Helping on some days can lower costs, and one carer may work for 6 out of 7 nights to save more.

Take the time to assess these factors will help ensure that you find a night time carer who is a good fit for your loved one and can provide the support they need.

Summary

Night carer costs change based on care level, carer experience, and location. Know the difference between waking and sleeping night carers. This helps choose the best care for your older family member.

PrimeCarers can help you connect with qualified and experienced private carers who offer competitive prices. By considering the factors mentioned in this article, you can make an informed decision about the right night time carer for your loved one and ensure that they receive the care and support they need throughout the night.