The holidays are a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with family, but they can also reveal subtle changes in your aging parents that might go unnoticed throughout the year. During your visit, keep an eye out for signs that your loved ones might need extra assistance. Often, it’s only after the holidays that families realize their parents have been struggling, leading to a surge in calls to senior living facilities for help.

Watch for These Telltale Signs During Your Holiday Visit

1. Memory Loss

• • Repeating Stories or Questions: If your parent tells the same story multiple times or repeatedly asks the same question, it could indicate memory loss.
  • Impact on Daily Life: If memory issues are interfering with daily activities, this could signal cognitive decline or early dementia. Consider scheduling a medical evaluation to assess their brain health.

2. Confusion

• • Difficulty Understanding Simple Tasks: If your parent appears confused by basic tasks or explanations, it’s a warning sign.
  • Increased Vulnerability: Confusion combined with memory loss can increase the risk of harm. Take these signs seriously and seek a professional assessment.

3. Poor Hygiene

• • Noticeable Decline in Personal Care: If your parent, who was once meticulous and took pride in grooming, now appears unkempt or neglects bathing, it may be a sign of declining self-care abilities.
  • Need for Assistance: Difficulty managing basic hygiene tasks may signal it’s time to consider additional support.

4. Trouble Managing Finances

• • Stacks of Unopened Mail or Overdue Bills: Piles of unpaid bills or collection notices might suggest that your parent is struggling with finances due to memory or cognitive issues.
  • Risk of Financial Problems: Missed payments can lead to serious consequences, such as canceled insurance or utility cutoffs. Keep an eye on these signs to prevent financial difficulties.

5. Unusual Behavior Changes

• • Sudden Mood Swings or Aggression: If your usually calm parent becomes irritable or experiences emotional outbursts, it could indicate changes in their brain health.
  • Potential Safety Concerns: Changes in behavior should prompt a medical evaluation, as these changes might endanger your parent or others.

What You Can Do Next

While enjoying the holidays with family, stay alert for any concerning changes in your parents. Avoid discussing these observations at the dinner table. Instead, plan to have a private conversation after the visit. Your parents may not ask for help, so it’s often up to you to take the initiative.

If you notice signs that your aging parent may need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our team at American Baptist Homes of the Midwest. We provide compassionate guidance and tailored services—from independent and assisted living to memory care—to meet your family’s unique needs.

Reach out today to find out how we can help your loved ones live safely and comfortably. It’s never too early to start the conversation about the care and support they deserve.