The Thanksgiving holiday offers something many families don’t get often enough: uninterrupted time together. For adult children who live out of town, these visits can also reveal subtle changes in an aging loved one’s health, home environment, or daily routines. If you’re spending Thanksgiving with an older parent or relative this year, it’s a perfect opportunity to quietly observe how they’re truly doing—and whether it may be time to consider the added support of home care.
1. Take Note of Their Physical Health and Mobility
Mobility changes tend to show up gradually, and they’re easy to miss during brief phone calls. During your visit, watch for signs such as unsteady walking, difficulty standing from a chair, slower movements, or new bruises that may signal recent falls. If Mom avoids stairs or Dad holds onto furniture to move around, these could be indicators that assistance is needed to keep them safe at home.
2. Check on Personal Care and Hygiene
Changes in hygiene routines are often one of the first red flags. Look for signs like unwashed clothing, strong body odor, or trouble grooming. These may indicate challenges with bathing, dressing, or laundry—tasks that in-home caregivers can support with dignity and compassion.
3. Observe Their Cognitive and Emotional Well-Being
During conversations, notice whether your loved one seems confused, repeats questions, or struggles to follow holiday gatherings. Memory lapses, mood changes, increased irritability, or withdrawal from social interactions can also suggest cognitive decline or untreated depression. Home care can provide companionship, structure, and monitoring that helps seniors stay engaged and safe.
4. Evaluate the Condition of the Home
A once tidy home that is now cluttered, dirty, or disorganized may reflect difficulty keeping up with household tasks. Check expired food in the fridge, unopened mail, or missed bill payments—these small details can indicate growing challenges with daily life management.
5. Look for Gaps in Nutrition and Medication Management
If your loved one is losing weight, relying on snacks instead of balanced meals, or skipping medications, these are clear signs that additional support may be needed. A caregiver can assist with meal preparation, medication reminders, and establishing healthier routines.
Trust What You See—and Start the Conversation Early
If you notice concerning changes this Thanksgiving, don’t ignore them. Early conversations about home care can prevent crises and help your loved one remain safe, independent, and comfortable in the home they love. Reaching out for support is not a loss of independence—it’s a way to preserve it.