Making the Most of Holiday Visits With Aging Loved Ones

The holidays are a time for festive gatherings with family and friends. They’re an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, share stories, and create new memories. For many of us, this includes spending time with aging parents, grandparents, and other relatives. While these visits are often filled with joy, they can also bring a heightened awareness of the challenges our loved ones may be facing as they grow older.

As you gather with family this holiday season, take a moment to truly observe and connect with your aging loved ones. Beyond the warm hugs and shared meals, you may want to pay attention to subtle cues that might indicate a need for support or assistance.

What to Watch For

Aging can bring about various changes, and it’s important to be aware of what is “normal” and what might be potential signs that your loved one may need additional help. 

Here are some key areas to observe:

• Physical Changes 
  • Are they having difficulty walking or getting up from a chair? 
  • Have they experienced any falls recently? 
  • Are there unexplained bruises? 
  • Have you noticed changes in their weight, appetite, or grooming habits? 

• Cognitive Changes
  • Are they becoming more forgetful or confused?
  • Do they have trouble following conversations or remembering recent events? 
  • Have you noticed changes in their mood or behavior, such as increased anxiety, withdrawal, or agitation?

• Emotional Well-being
  • How are they coping emotionally? 
  • Do they seem lonely, isolated, or depressed? 
  • Are they expressing feelings of anxiety or fear? 
  • Are they experiencing any changes in their sleep patterns or quality of sleep?

How to Be Helpful

Beyond observation, your visit is an opportunity to offer practical assistance and emotional support. However, it’s crucial to encourage your loved ones to do as much as they can for themselves. Always ask before helping, and avoid being overly directive. This helps preserve their dignity and sense of self-worth.

You can offer to lend a helping hand with tasks like meal preparation, grocery shopping, light housework, or running errands. If they have upcoming appointments, offer to accompany them or provide transportation if you’re able. 

The most important thing you can do is engage in meaningful conversations. Truly listen to their concerns and stories. Reminisce about happy memories and involve them in family activities as much as possible.

And if you notice any concerning changes, make a note of them. Be prepared to share your observations with other family members or healthcare professionals.

Caregiver Resources and Technology

Caring for an aging loved one can be both rewarding and challenging. Fortunately, there are resources available to help. The Senior Alliance provides a wealth of information and support for caregivers in our online Caregiving Haven. 

Did you know that technology can play a significant role in supporting both seniors and their caregivers? From medication reminders and telehealth services to social interaction platforms and safety devices, technology can enhance independence, safety, and quality of life. Within the Caregiving Haven, we have a page dedicated to Technology for Caregivers, where you can get more information about phone apps and pieces of technology related to personal safety and monitoring, communication and coordination, education and self-care, as well as dementia-friendly technology that can be beneficial to caregivers.

This holiday season, let’s make a conscious effort to connect with our aging loved ones. By being observant, supportive, and informed, we can help ensure their well-being and make the most of this special time together.

From all of us at The Senior Alliance, we’re wishing you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season!