Caring for an elderly loved one is a responsibility that doesn’t end at bedtime. For many families, the night is when worries set in: will Mum try to get up in the early hours? Will Dad wake up confused and need reassurance? Could a loved one with dementia wander during the night? These concerns are why many people look to overnight care — a service that ensures an older family member is safe, comfortable, and supported in their own home while giving families peace of mind.
But one of the most common questions families ask is: how much does overnight care cost in the UK? This guide breaks down the different types of overnight care, what they involve, the typical costs, and the financial help that might be available.
What Is Overnight Care?
Overnight care is professional support provided during the night-time hours, usually between 10pm and 7am. A carer stays in the home to provide assistance if the care recipient wakes, needs to use the bathroom, becomes unsettled, or requires medication.
It’s designed to make sure elderly individuals can stay safe and comfortable at home, while relieving pressure on family members who would otherwise be on call.
There are two main types:
Sleeping night care
A sleeping night carer stays overnight in the home, usually in a separate room. They sleep but are available to help if needed. This is ideal when only minimal support is required — for example, assisting once or twice during the night with toileting, providing water, or helping an elderly person settle back to bed. Sleeping night care is generally more affordable because the carer is resting unless called.
Waking night care
A waking night carer remains awake throughout the night. They keep a watchful eye, ready to provide constant supervision and respond immediately if needed. Waking night care is best for people who wake frequently, need mobility support, or live with conditions such as dementia. It’s also valuable after surgery, where an older family member may need frequent checks or medication.
Why Families Choose Overnight Care
Families often notice their elderly loved one needs more support in the night than during the day. Common reasons include:
- Dementia support: Dementia patients often become confused or restless at night. Having a waking night carer can prevent wandering and keep them safe.
- Mobility assistance: Older family members who struggle with balance are at greater risk of falls when moving around in low light. A carer can provide steady, safe assistance.
- After surgery: Following operations, such as a hip replacement, elderly individuals may require occasional support for a few weeks, especially in the night.
- Primary caregiver respite: Many families rely on one main caregiver. Overnight carers give them the chance to sleep, knowing someone else is providing night-time assistance.
- Routine support: Carers can help with bedtime routines — washing, dressing, getting into bed — and with morning routines like helping the care recipient get up, washed, and dressed for the day.
Having a professional carer stay overnight can make a huge difference. Families can relax knowing their elderly loved one has a calming presence nearby, while the care recipient benefits from personalised support.
Types of Overnight Care in Detail
Sleeping night care
Sleeping night care is suitable when the care recipient only occasionally needs help. The carer sleeps but can be called if required. Typical tasks include:
- Helping an elderly person to the bathroom in the early hours
- Offering reassurance if they wake feeling anxious
- Providing water or medication at set times
- Supporting a safe morning routine
Sleeping night care costs are lower because the carer rests most of the night. This option works well for older people who are generally independent but benefit from the reassurance of knowing help is close at hand.
Waking night care
With waking night care, the carer stays awake throughout the night shift, keeping a close eye on the elderly individual. Tasks may include:
- Assisting with mobility and transfers in and out of bed
- Providing continence care or helping with toileting
- Monitoring conditions such as diabetes or dementia
- Offering companionship during wakeful periods
- Ensuring safety and preventing wandering
Because the carer stays awake, waking night care costs more. However, it is invaluable for individuals who require constant supervision or frequent help throughout the night.
Night sitters and sitting services
Some families don’t need nightly support but want occasional cover. Night sitters — sometimes called elderly sitting services — provide short-term or occasional support. For example, a night sitter may stay once or twice a week to give the primary caregiver proper rest. This flexibility makes night sitting services a good option when continuous care isn’t required.
Live-in carers vs overnight carers
Families sometimes consider live-in care instead of overnight care. Live in care involves a carer moving into the home and providing both day and night support, whereas overnight carers focus solely on the night-time hours. The right choice depends on the care required and overall cost.
How Much Does Overnight Care Cost in the UK?
The cost of overnight care depends on the type of support required, the region, and whether carers are arranged privately or through an agency.
Sleeping night care costs
Sleeping night care is the more affordable option, as the carer sleeps unless needed. In the UK, sleeping night care rates usually range from £100 to £140 per night.
Waking night care costs
Waking night care is more expensive as the carer must stay awake throughout. Families typically pay £150 to £220 per night. In some cases, carers are paid hourly, with waking night pay rates averaging £15–£20 per hour.
Cost of night sitters for the elderly
Night sitters are often charged on a flexible basis, depending on whether they stay the whole night or just a portion. Costs are usually slightly lower than full waking night cover, making them an option for families needing occasional support.
Regional variations
The cost of overnight care at home in the UK varies. In London and the South East, overnight carer rates are often higher than in the Midlands or North. Rural areas may also face limited availability of carers, affecting pricing.
Typical cost examples
- Mrs Smith, age 82, recovering from hip surgery, requires a sleeping night carer twice a week for a few weeks. Her total cost would be around £240–£280 per week.
- Mr Jones, living with advanced dementia, needs waking night care every night. At around £180 per night, his total cost could exceed £1,200 per week.
Factors that affect the cost of overnight care
- The care required (personal care, mobility support, medication management)
- Whether the carer stays awake or sleeps
- The carer’s experience and training
- Specialist needs such as dementia care or first aid support
- Private carers vs agency-arranged carers
The total cost will vary depending on circumstances, but most families can expect a minimum of £100 per night. These figures are estimates only — for an accurate idea of what overnight care will cost in your situation, it’s best to get in touch with Careline directly.
Paying for Overnight Care
The cost of night-time care can be significant, but several forms of financial support may help.
Local authority support
Local councils can contribute to the cost of overnight care following a financial assessment. If eligible, part of the night care costs may be covered.
Direct payments
Families who qualify for support may choose direct payments instead of council-arranged care. This gives them more control over how to spend the funds and allows them to choose their preferred care service.
Attendance allowance
For people over state pension age who need help at night, Attendance Allowance is available. It is not means-tested, so income and savings do not affect eligibility. It can be used to contribute towards overnight carers cost.
Carer’s allowance
If a family member is the primary caregiver and provides significant care, they may qualify for Carer’s Allowance. This doesn’t usually cover overnight carer costs but offers some financial help.
NHS night carers
In rare cases, particularly where there are serious health needs, the NHS may provide overnight support at home. This usually requires an in-depth needs assessment.
Self funding
Many families self-fund overnight care. Although it is expensive, paying privately often ensures more flexibility, more experienced carers, and tailored support.
Creating a Personalised Care Plan
Every elderly individual has unique needs. A personalised care plan ensures that overnight care matches the person’s lifestyle, preferences, and medical requirements. A dedicated care manager can put this together in consultation with the family.
Typical elements include:
- Bedtime routine (support with washing, dressing, and getting into bed)
- Morning routine (help with waking, washing, dressing, and preparing breakfast)
- Mobility support (transfers, walking to the bathroom)
- Medication reminders and monitoring
- Details of occasional support required
- Calming presence for reassurance during restless nights
This personalised approach ensures the care recipient remains comfortable and safe while family members know their loved one’s needs are fully understood.
Alternatives to Overnight Care
Overnight care is not the only option. Families may also consider:
- 24 hour care at home for those needing continuous day-and-night support.
- Live in care for ongoing support, where a carer moves in permanently to provide help whenever needed.
- A night sitting service for occasional support when the primary caregiver needs rest.
The right choice depends on the care required, family circumstances, and the overall care cost that can be sustaine
Choosing the Right Care Service
Selecting the right overnight carer is about more than price. Families should consider:
- The carer’s experience and training
- Whether they can provide first aid and specialist support (such as dementia care)
- Their ability to provide a calming presence
- How flexible the care package is and whether it can adapt to changing needs
Experienced carers may charge more, but the peace of mind and higher quality of support often make it worthwhile.
Final Thoughts
Overnight care offers safety, reassurance, and support for elderly individuals and their families. Whether it’s sleeping night care for occasional support or waking night care for constant supervision, having a carer stay overnight ensures peace of mind.
While overnight care costs vary, families should expect a typical cost of £100–£220 per night. Financial support such as Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, direct payments, or local council funding may help, but many families also self-fund to keep their loved ones independent at home.
The figures in this guide are estimates. To get a clearer picture of overnight care costs tailored to your situation, it’s best to get in touch with us for personalised advice.
For families considering alternatives, options like 24 hour home care or live in care may be suitable. And for those supporting memory conditions, Careline’s dementia care service offers additional reassurance and support.
By understanding the choices, costs, and support available, you can make an informed decision that ensures your elderly loved one stays safe, comfortable, and cared for throughout th
Michael Mensah brings over seven years of experience as a Nutritionist, guided by a genuine passion for improving people’s wellbeing. His strong commitment to supporting others in living with dignity and independence led him into the care sector.
He began his journey at Careline Home Support as a Care Worker, progressed to Team Leader, then Assistant Care Co-ordinator, and now works as a Care Co-ordinator. In this role, he provides personalised, person-centred care that respects each individual’s needs, while upholding the highest standards of compassion, safeguarding, and respect.
For Michael, caregiving is not just a profession but a meaningful exchange rooted in empathy. He believes that just as nature supports itself, those who need help should be met by those ready to offer it. His work brings him a deep sense of purpose, and he is proud to help foster a team culture built on kindness, professionalism, and mutual support.
