Are you visiting an elderly loved one this holiday season?
Elderly loved ones do not always communicate health issues, injuries, or other concerns to long-distance family members. Holiday visits are the perfect time to assess your loved ones’ needs without being intrusive.
You can assess your loved one’s health by engaging with them on a personal level during your visit. Seniors often feel lonely, anxious, and isolated during the holiday season. Lighten this load by swapping presents for quality time and showing them you care in a personal way.
Take time to reminisce through old photo albums, watch old movies, make their favorite holiday foods, and ask for advice. Asking for advice is a way for your loved one to feel valued and heard. In addition, quality time activities are a subtle way to assess cognitive and physical health.
Signs They May Need Home Care:
- Recent Alzheimer’s or Dementia Diagnosis
- Cannot Keep Up with House Work
- Basic Hygiene Decline
- Trouble Recovering From Illness
- Missed Bills and Other Important Notices
- Upcoming Surgery
- Poor Medication Management
- Something Seems Off (trust your intuition)
- Acting Confused or Lost
- Sleeping More Often or Less Energy
The burden of identifying seniors’ needs initially depends on family members. If you notice any of the signs above, it’s time to talk to your loved one about home health care. Home care allows seniors to remain in home comfort while receiving skilled medical assistance. In addition, nurse-supervised care provides long-distance caregivers with peace of mind.
Before you leave, put dates on the calendar that your loved one can look forward to. Future visits or consistent calls go a long way in helping the elderly fight depression and loneliness.
