Home for the Holidays: Signs a Loved One May Need Additional Support
There’s nothing like coming home for the holidays, especially if you live at a distance from family who you don’t get to see very often. This time of year provides the chance to connect with loved ones and enjoy holiday traditions and celebrations.
However, if you haven’t seen your parents or older loved ones since the last holiday season, it can be jarring to notice changes in their appearance, home or lifestyle.
At The Woodlands at Canterfield, we understand that each person deserves the opportunity to enjoy their independence for as long as possible. However, sometimes, a helping hand is needed to do so.
As you prepare to visit your relatives this season, here are some things to look out for that might determine that someone you love requires additional support and may benefit from moving to a senior living community.
Look Around the Home
The holidays can be a hectic time for many. With the stresses of decorating, gift shopping and preparing meals, your loved one might simply not have any time to ensure their house is completely spotless.
That being said, keep an eye out for any clutter or messes that seem out of place or out of the ordinary. Home maintenance can be challenging for older adults to keep up with, but when things look concerning or wrong, it can be a signal that something is not right. While you’re visiting, pay attention to things like:
- Missing light bulbs or other small appliances
- Overgrown yards, unkempt landscaping, unshoveled walkways
- Unopened mail or bills
- Piles of unwashed clothes
- Expired food in the refrigerator or pantry
While the holidays can add to-do items to our list, we know the importance of maintaining our living space, i.e., doing laundry, cleaning, etc. If you are noticing these or similar things that are causing concern, your loved one may need additional assistance around the home or may benefit from the maintenance-free lifestyle offered in senior living communities.
Download our free Home Safety Checklist
Changes in Appearance
When you see relatives after a long period of time, it’s normal to notice changes like haircuts, hair color or new glasses. However, when it comes to your aging loved one, the changes in appearance we mean are ones that can be cause for concern, such as:
- Unwashed or unkempt hair
- Clothing that is inappropriate for the weather or the occasion
- Unexplained bruises
- Significant weight loss or gain
For example, if Mom usually does her hair, wears makeup and takes pride in her appearance, and suddenly the opposite is true, this may be a sign that she needs support. In addition, some of these signs may indicate that a person is experiencing cognitive changes that are impacting their decision-making and judgment abilities.
If you notice any significant changes, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider to ensure health and wellbeing.
Behaviors, Personality, and Actions
The holidays can certainly bring about different behaviors, especially with the additional stresses that this time of year brings. During your holiday visit, pay attention to how your parent or family member is acting and look for changes in their personality and behavior. Even though living alone is what many of us correlate to maintaining independence, it can also be limiting when it comes to presenting socialization opportunities.
If any of these signs are noticed during your visit, it might be time to discuss additional care options such as senior living. At The Woodlands at Canterfield, our senior living community in West Dundee, IL, provides exceptional amenities and world class care to residents.
No matter the level of care your loved one needs, whether assisted living or memory care, you’re sure to find the perfect option in our community. From the minute you walk through our doors, you’ll see the difference right away – this is truly a place that feels like home!
For more information about our senior living services, please call us at 224-408-5206 or visit our website to connect with our team.
