For families with aging parents or loved ones, the holidays can bring something else, too: the realization that Mom, Dad, Grandma, or Grandpa may need a little more help than they did last year. Maybe the house isn\u2019t as tidy as usual or medications are becoming harder to manage. Perhaps your loved one has stopped cooking regular meals, seems less steady on their feet, or is becoming more isolated. Instead of waiting until the busy holiday season to figure out what to do, <\/span>October is the perfect time to start the conversation and make a plan.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n For many families, Thanksgiving and Christmas are the first extended visits they\u2019ve had with an aging loved one in months. Phone calls and quick visits don\u2019t always reveal what everyday life really looks like. Spending several hours or days together may make changes easier to notice.<\/span><\/p>\n Some things to pay attention to include:<\/span><\/p>\n One change doesn’t necessarily mean a loved one can no longer live independently. But several small changes together may signal that it’s time to add a little support.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Talking about care can be uncomfortable. Older adults may worry that accepting help means losing their independence, while adult children may worry about overstepping. That\u2019s one reason October is such a good time to begin. You aren’t trying to solve a crisis at the Thanksgiving table. Instead, you can have a calm conversation about what would make everyday life easier, safer, and more enjoyable.<\/span><\/p>\n Try starting with questions rather than instructions:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhat has been getting harder for you lately?\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n \u201cIs there anything around the house you wish you had some help with?\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n \u201cWould it make things easier if someone could help with meals, errands, or getting to appointments?\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n Sometimes, the best care plan begins with something very small.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n There is a common misconception that someone must need around-the-clock care before home care makes sense. That simply isn’t the case. A caregiver can provide support for just a few hours at a time, depending on the individual’s needs. Help might include companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, personal care, errands, transportation, medication reminders, or simply having another trusted person nearby.<\/span><\/p>\n For many older adults, receiving a little assistance can actually help them remain independent at home longer. It can also provide tremendous peace of mind for family members who can’t always be there.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Before November arrives, take a little time to look at the bigger picture.<\/span><\/p>\n Look for loose rugs, poor lighting, cluttered walkways, difficult bathroom setups, or anything else that could increase the risk of a fall.<\/span><\/p>\n Make sure prescriptions are organized, current, and being taken appropriately. Keep an updated medication list available for family members and healthcare providers.<\/span><\/p>\n Is your loved one still comfortable driving? Are they able to get to appointments, the grocery store, church, or social activities?<\/span><\/p>\n Check whether they are shopping regularly and preparing balanced meals. Difficulty cooking can sometimes lead older adults to skip meals or rely heavily on snacks and convenience foods.<\/span><\/p>\n Loneliness matters. If your loved one spends long stretches of time alone, companionship may be just as valuable as help with household tasks.<\/span><\/p>\n Keep important phone numbers, medical information, emergency contacts, and other essential information together and easy to find.<\/span><\/p>\nWhy Families Often Notice Changes During the Holidays<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Start the Conversation Before There\u2019s a Crisis<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Home Care Doesn’t Have to Mean Giving Up Independence<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Make a Holiday Care Checklist<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
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week, assistance with everyday activities, respite for a family caregiver, or more consistent support, our goal is to help families find a care plan that works for them. This October, take a few minutes to check in with the older adults you love. Take a closer look and find out how they are doing. Start the care conversation because sometimes the best holiday gift isn’t something wrapped under the tree. It’s knowing someone you love is safe, supported, and cared for at home.<\/span><\/p>\n