Going Home for the Holidays?
As you head home for the holidays, take some time to notice early signs that your loved one might need a little extra help.
When you visit your loved one this holiday season, take a close look around. While we all remember mom and dad’s house as well-kept and perfectly decorated, years have passed. Mom and dad may not be as active as they once were; oftentimes, holidays are one of the few times you make it back home. If you are lucky enough to do that this year, set aside some time to take a mental inventory of how things are going.
Key Takeaways
Holiday gatherings provide a valuable opportunity to observe subtle signs that your aging parent or relative may need extra support. Pay attention to changes like a disorganized home, expired food, or noticeable weight fluctuations. These observations can help you identify early needs before a crisis occurs.
Although discussing health concerns during holidays can be sensitive, these visits are ideal moments to initiate calm, thoughtful conversations with family members. Asking questions about daily tasks, assistance preferences, and senior living knowledge helps open the door to planning for future care needs.
Understanding the range of care options, including in-home help and local senior living communities, empowers families to make informed decisions. Early research and dialogue reduce stress and ensure your loved one’s comfort and safety as their needs evolve.
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Things to Look For
- Questions to Ask
- Conclusion
- Find Home Care
- Resources
Things to Look For:
- Is the house a bit disheveled?
- Is the food in the refrigerator expired?
- Are their piles of laundry lying around?
- Noticeable weight gain or loss?
Now, there’s no need to sound the alarms quite yet. However, conversations with our elders about getting them help won’t happen immediately. In fact, these conversations often don’t happen at all, or at least until there’s actually been a medical emergency. Who wants to bring up a conversation like this during the holidays?
We’re not suggesting you hijack your holiday visit and get everyone upset about mom or dad’s declining health and well-being. But there are fewer times that are better to begin the conversation with siblings and loved ones about what they might want, should something happen.
Questions to Ask:
- Would it be helpful if someone came into the house to clean a couple of times a week?
- What are some tasks you could use some help with?
- Would it be helpful if someone cooked you meals?
- How much do you know about senior living?
- Have you looked at any of the senior living communities in town?
- What are you worried about?
Conclusion
The holidays are a special time to connect with your loved ones, but they’re also a great opportunity to quietly notice if they might need a little extra help. Spotting early signs and starting conversations about care doesn’t have to be overwhelming or rushed. Taking small steps now—whether exploring in-home support or learning about local senior living options—can make a big difference down the road. Being prepared helps you ensure your loved ones stay safe, comfortable, and supported, giving your whole family peace of mind.
Find Home Care
All these questions need to be answered before you’re in an emergency situation, having to make quick decisions. Senior Care Finder offers the most complete and comprehensive list of senior living and care options for you to consider.
And, if you would prefer hiring a private caregiver to come into your loved one's home instead of moving to a living community, Senior Care Finder can help with that too!
