The holiday season brings families together, and while it’s a time for celebrating, it also offers a rare chance to observe our loved ones up close. After spending time with them, especially if you don’t see them often, it’s easy to spot changes that were less noticeable before. This holiday visit might be the wake-up call that your loved one needs more help at home.
We often don’t realize how much time has passed since our last visit, and how much our loved ones have changed in that time. If you’ve had a holiday visit and walked away with the feeling that something’s different, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about how spending time with them over the holidays can make it more obvious that they might need extra assistance moving forward.
Seeing Changes Up Close
When you visit your loved one for the holidays, the time spent together can highlight changes you might not have noticed before. These subtle shifts can be harder to see when you’re not around every day, but during a holiday visit, you might notice that something’s off. It’s those little details, the ones you wouldn’t catch on a phone call, that make you realize they might need more help.
- Physical Limitations: Has your loved one been slower to get up from a chair, or do they seem winded after a short walk? These physical changes can often go unnoticed when you're not around frequently.
- Cognitive Shifts: Maybe they had trouble remembering recent events or seemed confused about something they would usually know. Spending more time together allows these moments to stand out.
- Mood and Behavior: Were they more irritable, withdrawn, or even anxious during family gatherings? Holiday stress can amplify emotional changes, making it easier to spot potential concerns.
- Household Maintenance: Did you notice clutter, neglected chores, or unkempt areas around the home? It’s a clear indicator that daily tasks are becoming harder to manage.
These changes are often hidden in the day-to-day shuffle of life, but they become glaringly obvious when you spend quality time with your loved one over the holidays.
Identifying the Signs They Need More Help
After a holiday visit, it’s time to reflect on what you’ve observed. The holidays can make it clearer that your loved one may need more care, but it’s important to look for the key signs:
- Increased Fatigue or Exhaustion: If your loved one seemed unusually tired, had trouble keeping up with social activities, or struggled to recover from physical exertion, it might be a sign that their stamina has decreased.
- Forgetfulness or Disorientation: Did they seem confused about routine details, like what day it is, or where they left something? Cognitive decline can sneak up, and spending more time together often highlights these shifts.
- Difficulty Moving Around: If they seemed unsteady or had trouble getting around, whether walking, standing, or sitting, it could be time to think about mobility aids or more consistent assistance.
- Social Withdrawal or Mood Changes: If your loved one was unusually withdrawn or moody, it could be a sign of depression or anxiety, both of which can worsen with age. The holidays often bring these issues to light.
- Unsafe Living Conditions: If you noticed hazards around the house—loose rugs, dim lighting, or cluttered walkways—it’s a sign that they’re no longer able to maintain the home like they used to. A home that isn’t safe can increase the risk of falls and accidents.
When you’re able to spend uninterrupted time with them, these signs might surface more clearly than they would otherwise.
Why the Holidays Are a Critical Time to Notice These Changes
During the holidays, people are more likely to open up, and the gatherings often reveal more than you might expect. Spending time together allows you to take a step back and see how they’re really doing. Maybe they were too polite to mention how hard it’s been to keep up with everything, or they didn’t want to worry you about their physical limitations. But those concerns come to the surface in the most subtle ways.
- Family Dynamics: Holiday visits also give you a chance to observe how your loved one interacts with others. Are they becoming less engaged? Do they rely more on others to start conversations or move through social situations? These are clues that something might be changing.
- Health Maintenance: It’s easier to notice if they haven’t been taking their medications on time or have forgotten doctor’s appointments. During family gatherings, these details tend to come to light in natural conversations.
Spending time with your loved one during the holidays brings a clearer perspective on their need for additional care. The holiday environment makes it easy to spot what has been overlooked or ignored in everyday life.
How to Start the Conversation About Extra Help
Once you've observed these changes, the next step is having a conversation. It’s one of the toughest conversations to have, but it’s essential. If your loved one is showing signs of needing more care, you’ll want to approach the topic thoughtfully.
- Be Compassionate: Let them know that you’re coming from a place of care and concern. Express your observations gently—“I noticed you seemed a little more tired this year” or “I saw that you were struggling to get around the house.”
- Be Patient: This might be a sensitive subject for them. They may feel defensive or embarrassed about needing help. Offer plenty of reassurance and let them know that needing assistance doesn’t mean they’re losing their independence—it’s about maintaining it.
- Offer Practical Solutions: Instead of focusing solely on the problem, offer possible solutions. “Maybe we could have someone come by to help with the cleaning,” or “Would you like help setting up a routine for taking your medications?”
Exploring Care Options: What Comes Next?
Once the conversation is started, it’s time to consider what options are available. Fortunately, there are many different care solutions that can be tailored to their needs.
- Home Care: If your loved one needs assistance with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or skilled nursing supportan in-home caregiver can provide just the right amount of help.
- Technology for Safety: Devices like medical alert systems or smart home devices can make a big difference in keeping your loved one safe without requiring constant physical assistance.
- Assisted Living or Retirement Communities: If their needs are more comprehensive, moving to a community with on-site care might be a viable option to ensure they get the attention they require.
- Family Support: Sometimes, the solution is increasing the frequency of family visits or organizing a support system within the family to provide more consistent help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my loved one is hiding their struggles?
It can be difficult for some to admit they need help. Pay close attention to changes in behavior, such as avoiding tasks they used to manage or showing signs of frustration with everyday activities.
Can my loved one stay at home with assistance?
Yes! Many people thrive at home with the right kind of assistance. In-home care, technological aids, and support from family can all contribute to keeping your loved one safe and comfortable in their familiar environment.
What should I do if my loved one refuses help?
Start by having an open and non-judgmental conversation. Emphasize that it’s not about taking their independence away but about ensuring they stay safe and healthy. You can also involve their doctor in the conversation to provide professional insight.
Post-holiday reflections may be a difficult realization, but it’s an important one. Spending time with your loved one during the holidays often brings out the signs of declining health or safety, and addressing these changes early can make all the difference. By recognizing these issues and approaching them with care, you can help your loved one maintain their quality of life, dignity, and independence for as long as possible.
Contact BrightStar Care of Henderson for peace of mind today!
BrightStar Care of Henderson's team of professionals will assist you in finding the right caregiver for your loved one. Contact us today to learn more about our caregiving services! Our office is at 40 E Horizon Ridge Pkwy, Suite #103, Henderson, NV 89002. You may also call us at (702) 608-8811.
We look forward to hearing from you!