What is a Waking Night Support Worker FAQ
This is article has been designed to answer some of the common questions that arise when considering night work.
Who is over night or Waking Night Care for?
Overnight care is for clients that experience difficulties with supporting themselves at nighttime. This may mean that they need assistance with toileting, repositioning themselves at nighttime or need help with taking their medication. In some circumstances, the client may have difficulty mobilising, maybe visually impaired, or they present a risk to themselves if they had a fall. A Waking night support may support clients that have:
- Dementia
- Recovering from surgery
- Or has chronic disease such as MS or spinal injury
What are the hours of work?
The hours of work a varied depending on the needs of the client. However, typically the Waking Night Support Worker is required to stay awake during the night and work from 10PM until 7AM in the morning. The Waking Night support worker (also known as overnight care provider, private night worker, or simply a night worker) is required to be awake and alert during these core hours in case the client needs them.
What does the Waking Night Support Worker do?
The Waking Night Support Worker is required to remain awake at throughout the night even if the client is sleeping. They are on standby to offer help as little or as often as needed. Some of the duties can include:
- Administering medication
- Observations and companionship
- Assisting with toileting
- Making the bed
- Checking vitals
- Support the client with managing their early morning routine including performing personal care and preparing breakfast
- Completing the laundry and performing light domestic duties ( This often takes place in the morning)
What is the difference between a Sleep in Carer and a Waking Night Support Worker
A sleep carer sleeps all through the night at the clients home. They are there to provide comfort and reassurance as the client knows somebody is available if they are needed. A Waking Night Support Worker is required to stay awake all through the night and the morning. And they are expected to perform tasks during the core hours of work.
What if there is a Live-In Carer in place?
The Live In Care provides support during the day and lives at the property. However, they do need their rest. There maybe occassions where the client is up during the night time which could present a risk to themselves. In which case the Live-In Carer can sleep and the Waking Night Carer would provide support all through the night. Both the Live-In Carer and Waking Night carer would be required to support each other with a full handover or they may work together during the morning to perform moving and handling tasks.
There maybe a Live-In Carer or a Waking Night carer is place. However, they both need a break. In this circumstance, we are able to provide Respite care which is short term care to cover a break period.
Do you need to be an experienced care worker to work as a Waking Night Support Worker?
The short answer is Yes. Previous experience is required. We want to ensure that our clients receive the highest standards of care possible. We will also ensure that a blended and comprehensive training support is provided before a staff member is able to work on their own.
How old do you have to be to work as a Waking Night Support Worker?
You would need to be over the age of 18 to apply to comply with the UK regulatory work requirement which states workers under the age of 18 cannot work between midnight and 4AM
What areas do you cover
We have a number of locations that offer Waking Night Support but our main areas currently are:
Norfolk
Cambridgeshire
Suffolk
Essex
If you would like to find out more you can watch a short Youtube video presented by the HR/ Operations Director by clicking here or by contacting our friendly support team on 01223 864 066
