Night care is a regulated activity under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, and our services comply fully with Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards for safe, effective, and person-centred care. Night care staff are specially trained to manage the unique challenges that arise during night-time hours, including reduced visibility, increased anxiety, confusion, and the physiological changes that occur during sleep cycles. Our approach prioritises the individual's dignity, independence, and safety whilst providing the practical assistance they need.
Night Care at Home Swindon
At Earnest Support Care Ltd, we understand that care needs do not stop when the sun sets. Night time can be a particularly challenging period for individuals with complex health conditions, cognitive impairments, or physical disabilities.
What is Night Care?
Night care refers to domiciliary care support provided during evening and night-time hours, typically between 8pm and 8am, though flexible scheduling is available to meet individual needs.
Unlike daytime care visits which are often brief and task-focused, night care is designed to provide extended support and presence during the hours when service users may be most vulnerable to falls, confusion, anxiety, and medical emergencies.
Learn MoreOur Services
Types of Night Care Support
Whether you require constant active support or simply a reassuring presence through the night, we offer two tailored service options to meet your specific needs.
Waking Night Care
Highest Level of SupportWaking night care involves a trained care worker being actively awake and alert throughout the night visit, ready to respond immediately to any needs. This service is appropriate for individuals who require frequent assistance, have high falls risk, need regular toileting support, require medication administration, or have unpredictable care needs during the night. Waking night care provides the highest level of on-site support and is ideal for individuals with the most complex needs.
During a waking night visit, our care workers will be available for toileting, continence management, repositioning to prevent pressure injuries, assistance with mobility, medication management, personal hygiene, and responding to any distress or confusion.
Waking night care is particularly suitable for people with dementia who experience sundowning increased confusion and agitation in the evening and night, those with end-of-life care needs, individuals with acute illness or recovery from surgery, and those with severe falls risk. Our care workers maintain detailed observations throughout the night and record all care provided. Learn More
Sleeping Night Support
Cost-Effective ReassuranceSleeping night support involves a care worker remaining on premises but permitted to sleep, being available to respond to emergency calls or urgent needs. This service is more cost-effective than waking nights whilst still providing immediate response capability. It is suitable for individuals with occasional night-time needs, those who are generally independent but may need assistance during the night, and service users who prefer the reassurance of having someone on premises without requiring constant active attention.
During sleeping night visits, care workers have call bells or alarms accessible and will respond to requests or emergencies promptly.
This type of support is often chosen by individuals living alone who may fall during the night and be unable to get up independently, those taking medications that may cause dizziness, and people with certain heart or respiratory conditions requiring monitoring. The presence of a care worker on premises provides security and peace of mind for both the individual and family members.
Who We Help
Who Needs Night Care?
Night care supports a wide range of needs. Here are the most common conditions and situations we help with, each approached with expert compassion.
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Dementia and Sundowning
Sundowning, also known as 'sundown syndrome', is a common phenomenon in dementia where individuals experience increased confusion, anxiety, agitation, and wandering behaviour in the evening and night hours. Night care can provide reassurance, reorientation, and gentle support to manage these symptoms, creating a calmer environment and reducing the distress experienced by both the individual and their carers. Our care workers understand dementia and use person-centred approaches to support individuals experiencing sundowning.
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Falls Risk and Mobility Issues
Individuals with restricted mobility, balance problems, or a history of falls are at particular risk during night-time hours when visibility is poor and the risk of confusion is heightened. Night care workers can assist with safe movement to the toilet, help with repositioning in bed, and provide rapid response if a fall occurs, reducing the time spent on the floor and the associated risks of injury or shock. Early intervention after a fall can prevent serious complications and preserve independence.
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Incontinence and Continence Management
Nocturnal incontinence, or nighttime urinary incontinence, affects many adults, particularly older people and those with neurological conditions. Night care support includes discreet toileting assistance, incontinence pad changes, and skin care to prevent moisture-related skin breakdown and infection. This support preserves dignity and enables better sleep quality for both the service user and family members. Good continence care also prevents urinary tract infections and skin ulcers.
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Anxiety and Sleep Disorders
Some individuals experience night-time anxiety, panic attacks, or insomnia, which can be greatly improved by the presence of a trained, compassionate care worker. Night care staff can provide reassurance, engage in quiet conversation, support relaxation techniques, and ensure that the environment is safe and conducive to rest. For individuals with PTSD or trauma histories, night time can be particularly challenging, and the presence of a trained carer can provide essential emotional support.
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Medication Management
Individuals requiring night-time medication administration, such as those with Parkinson's disease, diabetes requiring nocturnal insulin, or those taking anti-anxiety medications in the evening, benefit from night care support to ensure medications are taken safely and at the correct times. Our care workers are trained in medication administration in accordance with the Health and Social Care Act regulations and maintain detailed medication records.
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End-of-Life Care
During the final stages of life, individuals and their families often require intensive support, particularly at night when fears and discomfort may be heightened. Night care provides comfort, dignity, and expert support in accordance with palliative care principles, ensuring the individual's wishes are respected and symptoms are managed effectively. Our care workers work with palliative care teams and respect advance decisions and DNACPR orders.
What Happens During a Night Visit?
What to expect when a support worker visits you at night
Waking Night Care
Care worker awake & alert all night
1
Handover & Preparation
The care worker arrives at the agreed time and conducts a thorough handover with any family members or daytime carers, understanding any changes to the individual's condition or needs since their last shift.
2
Personal Care
They support the individual with evening personal care, such as washing, toileting, and changing into nightwear. The bedroom environment is prepared meticulously, checking that it is safe, comfortable, and free from hazards.
3
Settling & Comfort
The care worker assists the individual to settle into bed, using comfortable positioning and providing reassurance.
4
Active Overnight Monitoring
Throughout the night, the care worker remains awake and alert, monitoring the individual's wellbeing and responding immediately to calls or needs. They assist with toileting and continence management as needed, maintaining dignity and privacy. Medications are administered as prescribed. The care worker reposition the individual periodically to prevent pressure injuries, using moving and handling techniques in accordance with health and safety regulations. They monitor and respond to any signs of distress, confusion, or pain, providing reassurance and reorientation as needed.
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Morning Care & Handover
In the morning, the care worker supports personal care, including washing, dressing, toileting, and preparing for the day ahead. They prepare breakfast or hot beverages as part of the care package and record all care provided and any concerns in the individual's care notes. A full handover is provided to daytime carers or family members, communicating any changes in condition, new symptoms, or concerns. Finally, they ensure the environment is secure before leaving.
Sleeping Night Support
Carer on premises, available to respond
1
Evening Routine
A sleeping night visit follows a similar initial routine to a waking night, with the care worker settling the individual and preparing the environment for sleep.
2
On-Premises Availability
The care worker is permitted to sleep, with call bells or alarms positioned accessibly so they can respond promptly to any calls, alarms, or signs of distress. This arrangement provides reassurance and security whilst allowing the care worker rest.
3
Rapid Response
The care worker will respond promptly to any calls, alarms, or signs of distress during the night. They will assist with toileting, incontinence management, reassurance, and any other care needs that arise. The care worker does not need to monitor the individual continuously but must be available for rapid response.
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Morning Care & Handover
Morning routine follows the same pattern as waking nights, with personal care, breakfast, and handover.
Integration with Daytime Care
Night care does not exist in isolation but is carefully coordinated with daytime care visits and the individual's wider support network. Our care workers maintain detailed records in the individual's care plan, communicating any concerns or observations to daytime care staff, family members, and healthcare professionals. This integrated approach ensures continuity of care and consistent person-centred support.
Learn MoreFor example, if an individual experiences increased confusion, pain, or changes in continence during the night, this information is shared with their GP, district nurse, or social worker, ensuring that any underlying health changes are identified and addressed promptly. Similarly, daytime experiences such as falls, distress, or medication changes are communicated to night care staff, enabling a seamless, person-centred approach to care. Our Registered Manager oversees all night care provision and maintains regular liaison with other service providers.
Emergency Procedures at Night
Night care staff are trained to respond to medical emergencies in accordance with current resuscitation guidelines and the individual's advance care plans or wishes. All our night care workers hold current First Aid at Work certification and are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Staff receive annual training updates to maintain skills and stay current with best practice. In the event of a medical emergency, night care staff will assess the situation, call emergency services (999) if appropriate, provide first aid support, and communicate with the individual's family members and healthcare professionals.
Our care workers are familiar with the individual's advance decisions or Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) orders, and will respect these decisions. All emergency incidents are documented in full, with incident reports completed immediately and copies provided to the individual, their family, their GP, and relevant health and social care professionals. We maintain a robust incident management process and regularly review incidents to identify any opportunities for improvement in safety.
Lone Working and Safety Policies
Our night care workers are lone workers, meaning they are working alone with a vulnerable adult. We take lone worker safety very seriously and have implemented comprehensive policies to protect our staff and the individuals we support. All night care staff are provided with personal safety training, including de-escalation techniques, how to recognise potential risks, and how to seek help if they feel unsafe. Staff are equipped with mobile phones and have access to a 24-hour on-call manager.
We maintain regular contact with our night care staff, checking in before the visit begins, during the night if possible, and after the visit concludes. Risk assessments are conducted for every night care package, identifying potential hazards and implementing controls to minimise risks. For example, if we identify that an individual has a history of aggression, we may arrange for two workers to be present, ensure additional training is provided, or adjust the care approach to minimise the risk of conflict.
Staff Training and Qualifications for Night Care
All night care staff employed by Earnest Support Care Ltd hold a minimum of a Level 2 Care Certificate or equivalent qualifications, and many hold Level 3 or higher qualifications. Staff are required to maintain current First Aid at Work certification, have satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance, and be registered with the adult social care workforce. Our Nominated Individual, Gideon Ogunwale, brings RGN/RMN nursing expertise to oversee clinical aspects of night care.
Beyond baseline requirements, all night care staff receive specialised training specific to night care, including understanding sleep physiology, recognising and responding to sundowning, managing night-time anxiety, safe manual handling in confined spaces such as bedrooms, catheter and continence care, medication administration, and safeguarding concerns. Staff receive annual training updates and competency assessments to ensure their skills remain current and effective. Our care workers are trained in person-centred care approaches, cultural sensitivity, and religious considerations.
How to Arrange Night Care
Arranging night care with Earnest Support Care Ltd is straightforward and personalised to your needs. Here is how the process works, step by step.
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Telephone Consultation
The process begins with a comprehensive telephone consultation, during which we discuss your care requirements, current health status, mobility, continence, medication needs, and any specific concerns or preferences. This initial conversation helps us understand your situation and determine whether night care is appropriate for you.
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Face-to-Face Assessment
Following this initial consultation, we conduct a detailed face-to-face assessment visit, during which we meet you and your family members if appropriate, visit your home, identify any environmental risks or adaptations needed, and develop a personalised care plan. This assessment also enables us to build a rapport and understand your personality, preferences, and communication style, which is essential for high-quality night care.
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Personalised Care Plan
Once the assessment is complete, we prepare a formal care plan document that outlines the care to be provided, the times of visits, the care workers assigned, and the costs. This plan is reviewed with you and your family, and any amendments are made to ensure it reflects your wishes and meets your needs.
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Care Begins
We then begin providing care, initially arranging for a consistent care worker to attend your night care visits so that a strong relationship and understanding develops. Our Registered Manager maintains regular contact, reviewing your care plan at least monthly, and discussing any changes in your needs or preferences.
Costs and Funding
The cost of night care with Earnest Support Care Ltd varies depending on the type of night care required (waking vs sleeping), the duration of visits, the frequency of visits (nightly, weekly, or occasional), and any additional support needs. We provide detailed, transparent pricing with no hidden charges.
Waking Night Care
£120–£150
Per 12-hour night
Sleeping Night Support
£85–£110
Per 12-hour night
Pricing may be adjusted for high-dependency individuals requiring two workers, for specialist care such as end-of-life support, or for long-term contracts.
Funding Options
Night care can be funded through several routes. We can discuss funding options with you and may be able to support applications for funding if needed.
Personal savings
Attendance Allowance (aged over 65 or disabled before age 65)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
NHS continuing healthcare funding
Local authority social care budgets
Combination of self-funding and benefits
Need help with funding? Contact us and we will discuss your options and, where possible, assist with funding applications.
CQC Standards and Regulatory Compliance
Night care is a regulated activity under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. The Care Quality Commission inspects and rates our night care services against Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs) relating to Safety, Effectiveness, Responsiveness, and Caring. We are committed to maintaining excellent standards and achieving outstanding ratings in all areas. Our Registered Manager, Mrs Claire Louise Lewis, and our Nominated Individual, Gideon Ogunwale (RGN/RMN dual registered nurse with specialist qualifications in complex care), ensure oversight and quality assurance of all night care provision.
Integration with Healthcare Services
Our night care services are integrated with the wider healthcare system in Swindon. We work closely with Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the BSW ICB (Berkshire, Surrey, Sussex Integrated Care Board), and AWP NHS Trust (our local mental health trust) to ensure that night care is coordinated with hospital discharge planning, mental health support, and ongoing medical management. When an individual is discharged from hospital, we work with the discharge planning team to ensure night care support is arranged promptly, enabling early discharge and reducing hospital readmissions. We also liaise with GP practices, district nurses, and other health professionals to ensure we are aware of any changes in medication, health status, or treatment plans that might affect night care provision.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Night Care
Six questions families often ask, answered with honesty and care.
How to Get in Touch
If you would like to discuss care within your location, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact us:
Our team is available to answer your questions and arrange a convenient time to discuss your care needs in detail.