How Do I Know If My Parent Truly Needs 24-Hour Care?

It starts with a few close calls—a missed medication here, a late-night fall there. And before you know it, you're constantly wondering, Is Mom okay right now? That question can keep families up at night. 

There's a way to sleep peacefully again. 24/7 home care offers round-the-clock support so your loved one gets the attention they need, exactly when they need it, without ever leaving home.

What is 24/7 Home Care, and How Does It Work?

24/7 care doesn’t mean a single caregiver glued to your parent’s side day and night. It’s typically structured with rotating shifts of professional caregivers who work in blocks (often 8 or 12 hours), making sure there's always someone alert and ready to help.

This setup is especially helpful for people who:

• Wake up confused or disoriented at night.
• Need regular medication around the clock.
• Have a high risk of falling or wandering.
• Can’t be left alone for medical or safety reasons.

The goal? Keeping your loved one safe, stable, and supported in their own environment—all day, every day.

5 Signs Your Loved One May Need 24-Hour Home Care

1. Increased confusion or wandering, especially at night.
2. Multiple falls or mobility issues.
3. Inability to manage medication or appointments.
4. Emotional distress or anxiety when alone.
5. Noticeable weight loss, poor hygiene, or unmet daily needs.

If any of these are becoming frequent, it might be time to stop asking, Can they live alone?—and start asking, How can we make home safer?

What Do 24-Hour Home Care Services Include?

24-hour home care services are not just about safety—they’re about restoring dignity and building daily structure with warmth and empathy.

Services often include:

• Help with bathing, grooming, and dressing.
• Meal preparation and feeding assistance.
• Medication reminders and administration support.
• Mobility help and fall prevention.
• Companionship and mental stimulation.
• Light housekeeping and laundry.
• Overnight monitoring and immediate response to needs.

The result? A smoother day (and night), less stress for family caregivers, and better quality of life all around.

Emotional Benefits of 24/7 Care at Home

24/7 care can offer something that’s hard to measure: emotional comfort. There’s peace in knowing someone is there, not just to react, but to genuinely be there.

For your loved one, that might mean:

• Waking up to a friendly face who knows their routine.
• Hearing words of encouragement when the day feels tough.
• Having someone to talk to instead of spending hours alone.

For you? It’s less guilt, fewer panicked phone calls, and knowing you’ve done everything you can to support their independence safely.

Choosing Between 24/7 Care and Live-In Care

These two options get mixed up a lot, so here’s the lowdown:

• Live-in care means one caregiver lives in the home, usually working about 8–10 hours during the day and sleeping overnight. It’s ideal for people who need help but not constant attention.
• 24/7 home care, on the other hand, ensures a caregiver is awake, alert, and on duty at all hours. It’s the go-to option when safety can’t take a break.

Still not sure which you need? Start by asking: Can my loved one be safely left alone for a few hours? If not, 24/7 home care might be the better fit.

FAQ About 24-Hour Home Care Services

Is 24/7 home care covered by insurance?

Some long-term care insurance policies may cover part of the cost. Medicare typically does not, unless skilled nursing is medically necessary. Check with your provider to explore options.

How do I know if 24-hour care is right for my parent?

If your parent is unsafe alone, especially at night, has complex medical needs, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed, it might be time to consider this level of support.

Will there always be someone awake and alert?

Yes. In 24/7 care, caregivers rotate in shifts to ensure someone is always awake and attentive, even overnight.

Can we start with just overnight care?

Absolutely. Many families begin with overnight or daytime-only shifts and adjust the schedule based on need.

Do caregivers help with companionship, too?

Definitely, in addition to helping with physical tasks, caregivers offer companionship and emotional support to keep spirits up and minds engaged.

Contact BrightStar Care of Bedford/Manchester Today! 

BrightStar Care of Bedford/Manchester is here to provide the resources and support you need to care for your loved one. If you have any questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help. Contact us online or by phone at (603) 637-4646 and by visiting us at our location in Bedford: 601 Riverway Pl, Bedford, NH 03110.