When a loved one begins to need support during the night, understanding the cost of overnight care is an important first step.
At Patricia White’s, we believe in complete transparency. We know that care decisions can feel overwhelming, so our aim is to make pricing clear and straightforward, allowing you to make an informed choice with confidence.
The cost of overnight care will depend on the level of support required, whether the carer is sleeping or waking and the complexity of care involved.
What is overnight care?
Overnight care provides reassurance and practical support throughout the night in the comfort of your own home.
There are typically two types of overnight care:
- Sleeping night care
- Waking night care
Sleeping night care is suitable when support may only be needed occasionally. The carer sleeps in the home and is available if assistance is required.
Waking night care is designed for individuals who require frequent or continuous support overnight. In this case, the carer remains awake and attentive throughout the night.
The type of care required will influence the overall cost.
What affects the cost of overnight care?
Several factors determine the price of overnight care.
- Level of care required
- Frequency of night time support
- Medical or complex care needs
- Location within the UK
- Whether care is temporary or ongoing
For example, occasional reassurance or assistance to and from the bathroom will differ in cost from specialist support for advanced dementia or complex medical conditions.
How our pricing structure works
We keep our pricing as transparent as possible. All details are agreed in advance, so you know exactly where you stand before committing to care.
One off registration fee
Patricia White’s will charge a registration fee. This fee is non-refundable and entitles you to a lifetime membership. The registration fee covers our costs for carrying out an initial consultation to understand your circumstances, preferences and support needs in preparation for recommending a suitable carer. It also enables us to maintain an active pool of exceptional carers, often allowing care to begin within 24 to 48 hours.
Carer fee
All Patricia White’s carers are self employed. They invoice you directly for their services, and payment is made to the carer at the end of each week.
We provide guidance around recommended rates for overnight care, based on the level of support required.
Sleeping night and waking night rates will differ, reflecting the nature of the service provided.
Agency fee
Where we introduce you to a carer and this results in you agreeing an assignment with them, you will pay us a fee for each day of the assignment.
This fee is payment for:
- our using reasonable efforts to identify and select potential carers based on the information provided by you
- our making all reasonable efforts to check the suitability of the carer, including obtaining Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced disclosure and taking up references
- our making the introduction to you with a view to you and the carer arranging an assignment or multiple assignments
- our providing you with recommended rates of pay and guidance for agreeing the terms of the assignment
- providing you with central office support to answer your general queries, respond to feedback on the carers and to provide new introductions upon request
Travel allowance
Carers will incur travel costs to get to and from the assignment and we recommend that these are covered by you, at a rate agreed in advance.
As guidance, we advise:
- for live-in assignments, a charge equal to a second-class rail fare from and returning to the carer’s starting location (or other location as agreed) or the equivalent cost of travelling from Central London to the client’s location, whichever is cheapest
- for travel mileage by car, an agreed starting location to and from the assignment or an agreed travel distance. Mileage rate in line with HMRC guidelines
Bank holidays
As with most care providers, bank holiday rates vary across the sector and will be discussed with you in advance.
Are there any additional costs?
In some situations, additional support may be required.
If a sleeping night arrangement becomes more intensive due to frequent disturbances, a waking night fee may apply.
Clients are also typically expected to cover reasonable household costs such as food and utilities during the placement.
All elements are discussed transparently before care begins, so there are no unexpected surprises.
Why families choose overnight care at home
Overnight care offers reassurance for both the individual receiving support and their family.
It can help to:
- Reduce the risk of falls
- Provide assistance with medication
- Support those living with dementia
- Offer comfort during illness or recovery
- Provide respite for family carers
Remaining in familiar surroundings often brings a sense of calm and security that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
The perfect carer for your needs
We only work with the very best carers the industry has to offer. Every placement is tailored to the individual.
When matching carers to clients, we consider:
- Your care needs and the carer’s experience
- Shared interests and lifestyle preferences
- Personality traits and daily routines
We pay attention to the finest details because we understand that it is often the smallest things that make the greatest difference.
Talk to our dedicated team of experts today
The standards set by Patricia White 30 years ago still remain today. Call our experienced team today on 01293 224708 to discuss your home care needs and receive a free no obligation quotation.
Or feel free to send us a message using our online enquiry form and a member of our expert care team will get back to you as soon as possible, typically within 24 hours.
