I used to sleep with one ear open. After Dad fell at 3 a.m., nights were a maze of listening, worrying, waiting. When our coordinator at Mimi’s explained 24/7 support through the Comfort Program™, I resisted. “We can handle it,” I said. We couldn’t.
The first night our caregiver arrived early, learned Dad’s routine, and spoke to him with the kind of respect that melts defenses. At 2 a.m., I woke in a panic—then remembered: someone steady was there. I slept.
In the morning, Dad was shaved and smiling. There were notes in our family portal: overnight repositioning, hydration, safe bathroom trips. The next night felt less like surrender and more like care. We still help during the day, but knowing nights are covered changed everything.
What I’d tell another family
- Try one or two nights first.
- Keep routines familiar—favorite mug, music, bedtime prayers.
- Let the caregiver be the expert at night; you be family again.
If you’re reading this, you’re a good daughter/son already. It’s okay to ask for help.