Have stories of a parent\u2019s restless nights, near falls, or a neighbor\u2019s report of recent night wandering interrupted your chance to get a good night\u2019s sleep? Do you have a nagging feeling that all is not well for an aging loved one during the nighttime hours?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then it may be time to enlist the help of an overnight care provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Studies show that 40% to 70% of adults 65-year old or older suffer from chronic sleep issues and that half of these cases go undiagnosed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most common causes of nighttime disturbances and insomnia are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paying attention to the above contributors to sleep issues can help correct them. Any indication that an aging loved one has sleep issues should lead to an appointment with a general physician for an official assessment. After that, Begin discussing overnight care options with your loved one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These discussions may not be easy at first, but it\u2019s essential to emphasize nighttime sleep disturbances pose a real threat to aging adults. First, insufficient sleep puts seniors at higher risk for falls and other accidents that lead to hospitalization and readmittance cycles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, sleep deprivation negatively impacts daytime functioning, so chronic sleep issues result in daily fogginess, fatigue, or exacerbated symptoms of memory loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, if memory loss is present, nighttime confusion and a disrupted circadian rhythm can cause nighttime wandering that ultimately is impossible to prevent without overnight companionship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll know it\u2019s time to look into senior overnight care when any of the following become part of the equation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aging loved ones who can\u2019t sleep are prone to nighttime wandering. For some, the disruption in circadian rhythm means they\u2019re wide awake and decide it\u2019s time to take the dog for a walk. For others, nighttime wandering signifies sleepwalking or memory loss-related confusion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your loved one has told you about nighttime walks or you\u2019ve received calls from concerned neighbors who\u2019ve helped a loved one find their way back home at night, you need overnight care ASAP to ensure your senior\u2019s safety. Obviously, this is a very dangerous scenario which significantly threatens your loved one\u2019s safety and should be corrected immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Poor lighting, diminished vision, or general nighttime fogginess increase the risk of falling o and other options. In some cases, this results in a fall that renders an adult unconscious or unable to phone for help. Nobody should have to suffer that plight, and licensed overnight caregivers can help keep your senior as safe as possible during the most vulnerable nighttime hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These caregivers remain awake during their shifts and are on alert for any sounds or signs of motion. They support clients with safe transfers from the chair to the bed, from the bedroom to the bathroom, and from the toilet back to bed again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caregivers also provide incontinence care, soothing companionship that encourages seniors to get back to bed and asleep again, and help with getting up and dressed for the day once the sun rises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve noticed obvious signs of memory loss or your loved one received a dementia diagnosis, nighttime support is a must. You never know when memory loss will shift into nighttime confusion, wandering, or even driving, all of which pose serious threats to an aging adult\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any evidence or diagnosis of memory loss requires overnight supervision, as well as bringing in daytime support as needed in response to memory loss progression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Living alone combined with age-related changes make it increasingly difficult for seniors to prepare healthy meals and snacks for themselves. If your loved one\u2019s cupboards and fridge appear bare, nighttime caregiving may be the ideal option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n