Check In on Your Loved One During the Holidays
The holiday season is a time for family gatherings, traditions, and reconnecting with loved ones. It’s a wonderful opportunity to catch up and celebrate, but it’s also the perfect chance to check in on elderly parents or relatives to ensure they’re doing well. Sometimes, these visits can provide insight into their health, well-being, and overall quality of life that you might not see from a distance.

Here are some signs to look for during your visit:

• Changes in personal hygiene: Noticeable neglect of bathing, grooming, wearing clean clothes, or maintaining trimmed nails. Pay attention to mobility issues, recent falls, or unexplained bruising.
• Medication management: Look for missed doses, expired prescriptions, or general confusion about their medication routine. These are all signs they might need help managing their health.
• Living space upkeep: Take note of unkempt homes with piled laundry, misplaced items, spoiled food, or clutter that could pose a fall risk, like throw rugs or poorly placed cords.
• Emotional or cognitive changes: Watch for signs of depression, forgetfulness, confusion, loneliness, or isolation. These shifts can indicate underlying health issues.
• Financial management struggles: Keep an eye out for stacks of unopened mail, unpaid bills, or disorganized storage of important documents. Difficulty handling finances is a common red flag.
• Driving concerns: If they’re still driving, check their car for signs of accidents, such as scrapes or dents.

What to Do if You Notice Changes
If you spot signs of decline, here are steps you can take to address your concerns:

1. Take notes: Write down your observations. Keeping a detailed list of your concerns will help when speaking with your loved one or their healthcare provider.
2. Start the conversation: Share your observations in a compassionate and nonjudgmental way. Use this as an opportunity to discuss their needs and explore support options, such as assistance with daily activities, companionship, or meal services.
3. Consult their doctor: Reach out to their primary care provider to share your concerns and learn about any recommendations. The doctor may already have insights into their health or suggest scheduling a physical or needs assessment.
4. Explore senior living options: If additional support seems necessary, consider visiting senior living communities to understand the available levels of care, such as independent living, assisted living, or memory care. Touring a community can help determine if it’s the right fit for your loved one.

Tips for Having the Conversation
Discussing a loved one’s needs can be delicate. Here are some tips to make the conversation more effective and compassionate:
• Pick the right time: Choose a quiet, private moment to bring up your concerns. Avoid discussing sensitive topics during large family gatherings or high-stress situations.
• Be empathetic: Acknowledge their feelings and emphasize that you want to support them in maintaining their independence and quality of life.
• Involve them in decisions: Wherever possible, let them take an active role in deciding how to address their needs. This helps them feel respected and in control.
• Focus on solutions: Frame your concerns around finding practical ways to help, rather than simply pointing out problems.

Why the Holidays Are a Perfect Time to Check In
The holidays offer a rare opportunity to see your loved ones in person and observe any changes in their behavior, health, or environment. With everyone gathered together, it’s also easier to have collaborative conversations with other family members about how best to support them.

By being proactive during your holiday visit, you can help ensure your loved one gets the care and support they need to stay happy and healthy. Whether that means arranging for extra assistance at home or exploring senior living options, taking action now can make a meaningful difference in their quality of life.