Signs Your Loved One Needs Extra Support
If you’re noticing changes in your aging loved ones during family gatherings this holiday season, you’re not alone. While we celebrate the joy of the holidays, it’s also a time when subtle signs that a senior may need extra support become more apparent. Whether it’s difficulty keeping up with daily routines, sudden shifts in mood, or changes in physical or cognitive abilities, the holidays often provide a natural opportunity to observe how seniors are managing their health and well-being. However, recognizing these signals and knowing what steps to take next can feel overwhelming. Below, we’ll discuss some common signs and offer suggestions on how to approach the subject of senior care.
Changes in Physical Mobility
One of the first signs that a senior may need extra help is when they start to have trouble getting around. Maybe they’re moving slower than usual or seem to struggle with basic movements like getting up from a chair or navigating stairs. With holiday decorations and crowded gatherings, these challenges might be even more noticeable.
Watching a loved one struggle can be heartbreaking, especially when you want them to enjoy the festivities. Take this as a cue to consider what kind of support they may need moving forward. There are ways to create a safer environment and help them maintain their independence, whether that’s making changes in their home or exploring senior living options where support is available as needed.
Cognitive Decline
The holiday season is rich with traditions, many of which evoke cherished memories from the past. If your loved one appears puzzled by familiar holiday customs or struggles to recall family members' names, this could indicate the onset of cognitive decline. Other warning signs include forgetting recent discussions, frequently repeating questions, or becoming disoriented in well-known places.
If you notice that your loved one is forgetting more than usual or seems disoriented, it may be time to gently explore what’s going on and seek help from a healthcare provider. Structure and activities can help seniors stay engaged and keep their minds active. The goal is to preserve as much independence as possible while providing the support they need.
Unusual Behavior or Mood Changes
The holiday season is typically a time of joy, but for some seniors, it can highlight feelings of loneliness or isolation. Has your loved one become more withdrawn, reluctant to join in on holiday festivities, or seemed unusually quiet during family conversations? Mood changes like these may indicate emotional struggles, such as depression or anxiety, which can be common in older adults.
Depression and loneliness can become more common as people age, especially during what’s supposed to be a joyful time of year. This might be a good time to think about how to help them stay connected and combat social isolation—whether that’s visiting more often, encouraging them to join local social activities, or considering a supportive living environment where they can have a sense of community every day.
To learn more read our blog on Combatting Social Isolation Among Seniors.
Neglecting Personal Care and Household Chores
As we age, everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene can become difficult to manage. If you notice your loved one’s home looking unusually cluttered, or they seem to be wearing the same clothes for days on end, it may be time to consider senior living. These communities provide residents with the help they need to manage daily tasks while still enjoying their independence.
The holiday season, with its added demands, can often reveal when someone is struggling to keep up with their routine. Coordinating family support, providing home care services, or transitioning to a supportive environment where seniors receive help with housekeeping, meal preparation, and personal care, will give you peace of mind and allow them to focus on the things they enjoy.
Weight Loss or Poor Nutrition
Holiday gatherings often revolve around food, making it the perfect opportunity to observe how your loved one is managing their nutrition. While festive meals may temporarily mask underlying issues, look closely for signs of weight loss, a lack of interest in food, or a poorly stocked fridge. These could be red flags indicating they’re struggling with meal prep, grocery shopping, or even remembering to eat.
If Grandma seems disinterested in the holiday spread or Grandpa’s fridge is mostly empty, it might be time to explore options that provide support in this area. Meal delivery programs can be an option. Alternatively, senior living communities often have the benefit of chef-prepared meals tailored to meet dietary needs, giving seniors the nutrition they require without the stress of grocery shopping or cooking. This way, they can focus on enjoying meals—and the holidays—without worrying about what’s in the fridge.
Difficulty Managing Medications
With the flurry of holiday events, it’s easy for anyone to forget a task or two, but when it comes to medications, missed doses can be dangerous—especially for seniors. If you notice your loved one’s pill bottles scattered around and unorganized, or they seem unsure about which medications they’ve taken, it might signal they need more support.
There are options to help seniors stay on track, whether through family reminders or exploring services where medication management is part of the daily routine.
What to Do If You Recognize These Signs
If you’re unsure how to start the conversation, we’ve put together a helpful guide on how to talk to your loved one about senior living. The holidays, while busy, can be an ideal time to have these discussions in a loving and supportive environment.
Whether your loved one needs assistance with daily tasks, due to physical or cognitive decline, or just a little extra support to maintain their independence, we offer helpful resources to guide you through the process and a range of senior living options designed to meet the unique needs of older adults. For a deeper understanding of senior living options and when to consider a move, read our Senior Care 101: Understanding Options from Home Care to Memory Care resource or take a short questionnaire to learn more about the level of support that best meets your needs.
The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on your loved one’s needs. If you’re concerned about their well-being, contact us to learn more.