Estimates are that nearly half of all seniors have at least some insomnia symptoms or find it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. One thing that can help your senior parent who is living alone sleep better at night is having 24-hour home care.
24-hour home care gives seniors who are living alone peace of mind and makes it easier for them to relax and fall asleep. Often, seniors who live alone have anxiety at night that makes it hard for them to sleep.
They worry about falling on their own if they get up to use the bathroom or get a drink. Or they might worry about crime. Or they could be worried about having a health event like a heart attack or a stroke at night when no one is there.
Even if your parent enjoys living independently, they still could worry about emergencies occurring, especially at night. 24-hour home care means that your parent won’t ever be alone, and it can make a big difference in how your parent sleeps.
How A Caregiver Can Help Your Parent Battle Insomnia
24-hour home care also gives your senior parent the extra support they need to make their home calm and restful at night.
Some of the ways that having a 24-hour home care provider there at night can help your parent manage their insomnia and get better sleep include:
Help with bathroom trips
Many seniors wake up during the night because they need to use the bathroom. Walking in the dark can be unsafe, especially if your parent feels weak or unsteady. Fear of falling can also make it harder to relax and fall back asleep.
A 24-hour home care provider can gently help your parent get out of bed and walk safely to the bathroom. They can turn on soft lights to prevent falls. They can also help your parent settle back into bed afterward. Knowing someone is there to help can ease worry and make it easier to drift back to sleep.
Provide medication reminders
Some seniors take medications at night to help with sleep, pain, anxiety, or other health issues. Missing a dose can make insomnia worse. On the other hand, taking the wrong amount can cause side effects.
A 24-hour home care attendant can remind your parent to take medications at the correct time. They can help organize pills and make sure instructions are followed. Staying on schedule with medication can improve sleep and overall health.
Create a calm and comfortable sleep space
A peaceful bedroom can make a big difference in sleep quality. An overnight care provider can help make sure the room is quiet, dark, and comfortable.
They can check that the sheets are clean and fresh. Clean bedding not only feels better but can also reduce skin irritation.
They can add warm blankets if your parent feels cold or adjust the thermostat if the room is too warm. Small details matter. A supportive pillow, soft lighting, and a tidy space can help your parent relax and feel secure.
Create a bedtime routine
A steady bedtime routine helps the body know when it is time to rest. An 24-hour home care professional can guide your parent through calming activities before bed. This might include light stretching, listening to soft music, reading a short story, or drinking a warm caffeine-free beverage like herbal tea.
They can remind your parent to change into comfortable sleepwear and brush their teeth. Following the same routine each night can train the brain to prepare for sleep. Over time, this can make falling asleep easier.
Offer reassurance during the night
Many seniors feel anxious or confused at night. The house is quiet and dark, which can make worries seem bigger. Some older adults wake up disoriented and unsure of the time or place.
An 24-hour home care provider can offer calm reassurance. If your parent wakes up feeling restless, the caregiver can speak in a soft voice and gently explain that it is still nighttime.
Sometimes a few kind words or sitting together for a few minutes is enough to ease anxiety. Feeling safe and supported helps seniors relax and feel safe enough to go to sleep.
Providing exceptional 24-Hour Care at Home in Arlington, VA, for seniors and families in the Northern Virginia area, including Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Reston, Burke, Ashburn, Centreville, Springfield, Manassas, and Oakton. Call today to speak with our caring staff: (703) 272-8838.
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