Home for the Holidays: Spotting the Signs Your Aging Parents May Need Extra Care

The holiday season is a special time to reconnect with loved ones, but it’s also a chance to observe how your aging parents are managing at home. Between catching up and sharing traditions, you might notice subtle changes that suggest they could benefit from extra support. Knowing what to look for can make all the difference in planning a healthier, happier future for your parents.

Why the Holidays are the Perfect Time to Assess Your Parents’ Well-Being

The holidays unite families, creating an ideal moment to notice how your parents are doing in their daily lives. Are they keeping up with their usual routines? Does their home feel as organized and welcoming as it used to? Use this time to check in on their overall health and well-being so you can address any concerns before they become larger challenges.

Subtle Clues Your Parents May Need Extra Help at Home

Small details can say a lot. Look for signs like unopened mail, expired groceries, or a neglected yard. These might seem minor, but they could mean your parents struggle with tasks they used to handle easily. Pay attention to how they move around the house, their energy levels, and whether they seem overwhelmed or more withdrawn than usual.

5 Physical Signs of Declining Health You Shouldn’t Ignore

The holidays are a great time to catch up with your parents, but they also provide an opportunity to notice any physical changes that might suggest they need extra care. Here are some specific signs to watch for:

1. Slower Movement or Difficulty Walking
   • If your parents are moving more slowly, shuffling their feet, or pausing often to rest, it could signal reduced mobility or joint pain. Trouble with balance or coordination, like leaning on furniture or walls, might also indicate the need for additional support to prevent falls.
2. Challenges with Stairs
   • Struggling to climb stairs or avoiding them altogether can point to muscle weakness or joint stiffness. It also suggests fatigue or a fear of falling. Adding safety rails or considering our caregivers to assist with mobility can help keep them safe.
3. Noticeable Weight Loss or Low Energy
   • Sudden or unexplained weight loss could mean skipping meals, losing their appetite, or struggling to prepare food. Low energy might indicate poor nutrition, a health issue, or simply overexertion. Our passionate caregivers can help with meal prep and ensure they eat nutritious, balanced meals.
4. Difficulty with Household Tasks
   • If cleaning, cooking, or other daily chores seem incomplete or neglected, it might indicate they’re finding these tasks physically overwhelming. Assistance with housekeeping or organizing their home can make a big difference in maintaining a comfortable living space.
5. Signs of Physical Pain or Discomfort
   • Wincing, avoiding certain movements, or frequently mentioning aches and pains could mean they’re dealing with untreated health concerns. Home care can help by reducing their physical workload and encouraging a safer, more relaxed routine.

5 Cognitive Changes to Look For During Holiday Visits

Spending time with your parents over the holidays can reveal subtle cognitive changes that may need attention. These shifts might start small but can impact their ability to manage daily life. Here are some signs to watch for:

1. Repeating Questions or Stories
   • If your parents ask the same questions multiple times or frequently retell the same stories, this might indicate short-term memory challenges. It could also be a sign that they’re struggling to retain recent information.
2. Forgetting Important Details
   • Missing key dates, names, or other details they once easily remembered might point to cognitive changes. Forgetting to prepare a dish they always make or leaving out parts of a favorite tradition can also be indicators.
3. Struggling to Follow Conversations
   • If your parents seem confused during group discussions or frequently ask for clarification, it could mean they’re having trouble processing information. Pausing more often or losing their train of thought during conversations are also common signs.
4. Misplacing Items Frequently
   • Losing track of keys, glasses, or household items more often than usual can be a sign of forgetfulness that’s becoming harder to manage. People might also place items in unusual spots, like finding their wallet in the refrigerator.
5. Difficulty Managing Bills or Schedules
   • If they’re missing payments, forgetting appointments, or struggling to keep track of their schedule, it may suggest cognitive challenges that make organizing their day harder. Piles of unopened mail or overdue notices can also be red flags.

Spotting Changes in Household Management: A Red Flag for Extra Support

A tidy, well-kept home can suddenly feel out of character if your parents struggle to manage household chores. Cluttered spaces, piles of laundry, or dishes left undone might indicate they’re overwhelmed. These shifts often mean they could use a little help to keep things running smoothly.

The Impact of Loneliness and Social Isolation on Aging Parents

The holidays can reveal how connected—or disconnected—your parents feel from others. If they seem lonely or hesitant to join family activities, this could indicate social isolation. Regular companionship through in-home care can help your parents stay engaged and happier.

5 Benefits of In-Home Care for Your Parents—and for You

Caring for aging parents can be both rewarding and challenging. In-home care offers a practical solution that ensures your parents get the support they need while giving you peace of mind. It’s not just about easing the workload—it’s about enhancing their quality of life and preserving your time together as a family. Here are five ways in-home care benefits everyone involved.

1. Help with Daily Tasks: Always Best Care of Greater Milwaukee caregivers can assist with chores like cleaning, cooking, and grocery shopping, taking the pressure off your parents.
2. Companionship: Having someone around to chat with or share activities can ease loneliness and keep spirits high.
3. Improved Safety: Our caregivers can identify risks like slippery floors or cluttered walkways, making the home safer during the holidays and beyond.
4. Peace of Mind: Knowing your parents have support means less worry for you and your family.
5. More Quality Time Together: By handling daily tasks, you can focus on enjoying moments with your parents instead of managing their to-do list.

6 Ways How to Approach Home Care with Your Parents

Talking to your parents about home care can feel tricky, but it can be a positive and productive conversation with the right approach. Here’s how to navigate the discussion:

1. Start with Empathy and Understanding
   • Begin by expressing care and concern for their well-being: “I’ve noticed you’ve been managing so much on your own. I want to make sure you’re not feeling overwhelmed or stressed.” This sets a supportive tone and shows that your intentions come from love, not control.
2. Frame Home Care as a Benefit
   • Highlight how home care can make their life easier and more enjoyable: “Having someone to help with meals or housekeeping would free up your time to relax or do the things you love without worrying about chores.” Present it as a tool to enhance their independence rather than limit it.
3. Use Specific Examples
   • Tailor the conversation to their needs: “Wouldn’t it be nice to have help with grocery shopping or meal prep? That way, you wouldn’t have to spend so much energy on those tasks.” Specific scenarios make the idea more relatable and practical.
4. Suggest Starting Small
   • Propose a trial run with minimal support to ease into the idea: “Why don’t we try having someone come by once a week to help with a few things? If it doesn’t feel right, we can adjust.” This reduces pressure and helps them feel in control of the decision.
5. Reassure Them About Independence
   • Address concerns about losing autonomy: “Home care doesn’t mean giving up control. It’s about ensuring you can keep living the way you want while having extra support when needed.” Emphasizing their independence can help ease any resistance.
6. Involve Them in the Decision
   • Make it a collaborative discussion by asking for their input: “What tasks would you be comfortable having someone help with? We can find a plan that works for you.” Giving them a voice in the process helps them feel empowered and respected.

Choose Always Best Care for a Happier, Healthier New Year!

At Always Best Care of Greater Milwaukee, we’re here to provide personalized solutions that fit your family’s needs. Whether your parents could use help with daily tasks, companionship, or specialized care, we’re ready to make life easier for everyone. Let us help your parents stay safe, happy, and independent in the comfort of their home.

Contact Always Best Care of Greater Milwaukee at (262) 439-8616 to learn more and schedule your free consultation.