For most of us, the holidays are a time to reconnect with friends and loved ones. We share meals and reminisce, creating a sense of connection and memories to cherish for years to come.
As you prepare for this holiday season, think about the older adults in your life, especially those who live on their own. It could be your parents, aunts and uncles, siblings, or cousins. If your holiday plans include visiting any of your aging loved ones, here are three things you can be on the lookout for as signs that they may be starting to need more help.
Home Upkeep
As we get older, one of the first things that may start to get more challenging is maintaining our home. Things like keeping up with landscaping and cleaning inside may be more difficult. Look to see if certain tasks have been neglected or if things haven’t been done to the same standard your loved one once held.
Mobility Changes
It’s extremely common as we age to not get around as well as we once did. One of the first signs that mobility may be a concern is furniture surfing, using furniture for stability when walking. Watch to see how well your loved ones are able to get around and pay attention to how they navigate any stairs if necessary.
Medication Management
Taking medications exactly as they’re prescribed is crucial to our overall health and wellbeing. Sometimes as we age, it can become harder to understand a medication’s instructions and remember to take them properly. This can be as simple as checking expiration dates and making sure refrigerated medication is appropriately stored in the fridge.
If you don’t have plans to see your aging loved ones for the holidays, consider checking in on them. Ask them questions to find out how they’re managing on their own and offer ways that you and others can help.
