Holiday Visits: Signs Your Loved One May Need Extra Support at Home
The holidays are a time for joy, connection, and togetherness. For many families, it’s also the one time of year when everyone gathers under the same roof—sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and catching up on life.
But these meaningful visits can also reveal something else: subtle changes in an aging loved one’s health, safety, or daily abilities. When you haven’t seen a parent or grandparent in a while, it’s easier to notice differences that may have slipped under the radar during phone calls or quick check-ins.
If you’re visiting loved ones this holiday season, here are some gentle signs that they may benefit from extra support at home.
1. Changes in Appearance or Personal Hygiene
Look for things like:
Unwashed hair
Same clothes worn repeatedly
Noticeable weight loss or gain
Body odor or neglected grooming
These changes often indicate difficulty with bathing, dressing, or preparing meals.
2. A Decline in Housekeeping or Home Safety
A once-tidy home may now have:
Cluttered hallways
Expired food in the refrigerator
Dirty dishes piling up
Unopened mail or unpaid bills
Sometimes the tasks become physically difficult; other times, it’s memory or energy levels that get in the way.
3. Difficulty With Mobility or Balance
Pay attention if your loved one:
Holds onto furniture while walking
Struggles to get up from chairs
Appears unsteady or fearful of falling
Limits movements to avoid discomfort
Mobility issues increase the risk of falls—one of the biggest dangers for older adults living alone.
4. Emotional Changes or Signs of Loneliness
Living alone can be isolating, especially after the loss of a spouse or friends. Watch for:
Withdrawal from social activities
Increased irritability
Noticeable sadness or anxiety
Sleeping more than usual
Companionship is a vital part of healthy aging.
5. Forgetfulness That Goes Beyond “Normal Aging”
It’s common to forget small things—but look for patterns:
Repeatedly asking the same questions
Missing appointments
Misplacing common items
Getting confused about time, dates, or daily routines
These may be signs that memory care support is needed.
6. Trouble Managing Medications
Medication mix-ups are common and can be dangerous. Red flags include:
Multiple open bottles of the same prescription
Missed doses
Taking medications at the wrong time
Difficulty reading labels
Home caregivers can help seniors stay safe and consistent with daily meds.
7. Loss of Interest in Cooking or Eating
If meals are skipped or replaced with snacks or convenience foods, your loved one may be:
Too tired to cook
Having difficulty using the stove
Forgetting mealtimes
Lacking appetite due to loneliness or health issues
Proper nutrition is essential to maintain strength and wellness.
What to Do if You Notice These Signs
It can feel overwhelming to recognize that a loved one needs help—but support doesn’t have to be drastic or disruptive. Many seniors thrive with just a little help at home.
Here are good first steps:
Start a gentle conversation about what you’re seeing and how they’re feeling.
Ask what tasks feel hardest for them day to day.
Talk with other family members about shared concerns.
Explore home care services that allow them to stay safe, independent, and comfortable—right at home.
How Flourish Home Care Partners Can Help
At Flourish Home Care Partners, we support families with compassionate, personalized care that honors your loved one’s dignity and independence. Whether your parent needs help a few hours a week or daily support, our caregivers show up with respect, open hearts, and a commitment to excellence.
We’re here to make life safer, easier, and more joyful—for your loved one and your whole family.