Home care can help aging parents this holiday season by providing support with daily routines, companionship, or skilled nursing, so your parent stays safe at home and your family gets peace of mind.
In-home care is care provided in your parent's own home, from a few hours of companionship to around-the-clock nursing support.
If you noticed changes in your parent during a holiday visit or the last time you saw them, whether you live down the street or hours away, BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City can help.
We serve families in Salt Lake City, Millcreek, Holladay, Murray, Sandy, Draper, Park City, and nearby communities, and we work with any long-term care insurance (LTCi) company to help families pay for care.
The holidays bring families together. For many adult children, it's the first time in a while they've spent a few full days with their parents.
Whether you traveled home, hosted a gathering, or see your parents every week, extra time together can make small changes easier to notice. If you're walking away with a new worry, you're not alone, and you don't have to solve it all at once.
What changes should you look for during a holiday visit?
Small changes are easier to spot when you spend extended time together. During your next visit, or thinking back to the last time you saw your parent, gently notice things like:
- Mail, bills, or medications piling up
- An emptier fridge or skipped meals
- More trouble with stairs, getting up from a chair, or walking
- A home that's less tidy than usual
- Less interest in hobbies, friends, or holiday traditions
- Repeating stories or forgetting recent conversations
Noticing one or two of these doesn't mean something is wrong. It's simply a good reason to start a conversation while the family is together.
How do you talk to your parents about home care during the holidays?
The holidays can be a natural time to talk, especially when siblings are in the same room. A few tips:
- Pick a calm moment. After a meal or on a quiet morning works better than the middle of a busy day.
- Lead with love, not worry. Share what you noticed and why it matters to you.
- Include your parent in every decision. Ask what would make their days easier.
- Focus on independence. In-home care is about helping your parent stay in the home they love.
- Agree on one next step. That might be a phone call to schedule a care assessment before everyone heads home.
How can in-home care help, whether you live nearby or hours away?
Every family's situation is different, and in-home care can be shaped around yours.
If you live nearby: You may already be the one stopping by, driving to appointments, and handling the little things, all while balancing work and your own family.
In-home care can share that load so you get to spend more time just being their son or daughter.
If you live hours away: You can't stop by after work or check in on a afternoon.
In-home care fills that gap with a trusted local team who can be there in person. Our care team keeps your family informed, so you know what's happening from a distance.
Depending on your parent's needs, care may include:
- Companion care: Conversation, meals, errands, and light housekeeping.
- Personal care: Help with bathing, dressing, and daily routines.
- Skilled nursing: Medication management, wound care, and health monitoring from a licensed nurse.
- Memory care: Support for parents living with Alzheimer's or dementia.
- 24/7 or live-in care: Around-the-clock support for parents who shouldn't be alone.
Explore our services: General Home Care, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, and 24/7 Home Care.
Does long-term care insurance cover in-home care?
Long-term care insurance (LTCi) is a policy that helps pay for care when someone needs ongoing help with daily activities or health needs.
Many policies can be used for in-home care, but coverage depends on the individual policy.
We work with any long-term care insurance (LTCi) company, including Brighthouse Financial, MetLife, Genworth Financial, John Hancock, Mutual of Omaha, CNS, and many more. We also work with the VA (Veterans Affairs) as a third-party payer and accept private pay.
Not sure what your parent's policy covers? You don't have to figure it out alone.
If you're together for the holidays, find the policy paperwork, then call BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City. Our team can help you understand your options and take the next steps toward starting care.
Can home care help family caregivers during the holiday season?
Yes. The season gets busy, from Thanksgiving through Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year's.
Respite care is short-term care that gives family caregivers a break. If you're the one caring for your parent, respite care can give you time to travel, rest, or enjoy the season while your parent stays supported at home.
Starting care now also means your parent has help in place for the rest of the holidays and into the new year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can home care start before the holidays?
A: Yes. Call us to schedule a care assessment, and we'll build a care plan around your parent's needs and your family's schedule.
Q: Can we start with just a few hours a week?
A: Yes. Many families start with a few hours of companion or personal care and add more support as needs change.
Q: How will I know how my parent is doing if I live hours away?
A: Our care team keeps your family informed. You'll have a local team to call with questions anytime.
Q: Do you work with VA benefits?
A: Yes. We work with the VA (Veterans Affairs) as a third-party payer, along with any long-term care insurance company.
Q: What areas around Salt Lake City do you serve?
A: BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City serves Salt Lake City, Millcreek, Holladay, Murray, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, West Jordan, Cottonwood Heights, Park City, and surrounding communities.
How do you get started with in-home care in Salt Lake City?
Whether you live nearby or hours away, your parent doesn't have to go without support, and neither do you.
BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City helps families put care in place this holiday season and beyond. We work with any long-term care insurance (LTCi) company and the VA.
Call us today or contact us online to get started.
BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City is independently owned and operated.
This content was produced by a human author with the assistance of AI. Similar to humans, AI can make mistakes too. We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of the information presented.