What to Do When a Holiday Visit Reveals Your Aging Parent May be Struggling at Home

The holiday season brings families together, offering incredible opportunities to reconnect with all of your loved ones. For many adult children, however, these visits can also reveal some signs that an aging parent is struggling to manage their daily life while they’re at home. At Heather Glen Senior Living, our team fully understands that these observations can sometimes be emotional and challenging to address, but we also know that they are critical in ensuring the safety, health and well-being of your loved ones. 

Recognizing the warning signs

As you spend time with your parents this holiday season, be mindful of changes in their behavior, physical condition or living environment. Some common indicators can include:

• Physical appearance: Noticeable weight loss, neglected personal hygiene or unexplained bruises.
• Household maintenance: A cluttered or unclean home, stacks of unopened mail or spoiled food in the fridge.
• Cognitive changes: Forgetting important dates, repeating themselves in conversation a lot or becoming easily confused. 
• Mood and behavior: Signs of isolation, depression, anxiety or a lack of interest in favorite activities. 

While one or two minor issues may not be cause for concern, a combination of these signs could indicate your parent needs more help than they are currently receiving. 

Starting the conversation

Discussing your concerns can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to approach the conversion with compassion and understanding. Here are a few tips to help:

• Choose the right moment: Look for a quiet, private time to talk when you both feel calm and relaxed.
• Express empathy: Use “I” statements to share your observations with your loved ones without sounding accusatory. 
• Offer solutions: Instead of focusing solely on problems, suggest options that can improve their quality of life, such as professional in-home care or living communities like Heather Glen Senior Living. 

Exploring supporting living options

If your parent’s needs surpass what family members can provide, it may be time to explore supportive living options. At Heather Glen Senior Living, we specialize in creating a nurturing environment where residents can thrive with personalized care and meaningful engagement. Our services include:

• Assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and medication management.
• Nutritious meals served in a social dining setting. 
• Medical care and wellness programs to support health and independence. 
• A vibrant calendar of activities to encourage physical, emotional and social well-being.

For parents facing memory loss, our Memory Care Community also offers a holistic approach tailored to their unique needs. With a specially trained team, we provide the compassionate support your loved one deserves. 

Moving forward together

Realizing that your aging parent may be struggling is never easy, but addressing these concerns proactively can lead to a brighter future for your family. By taking the time to understand their needs and explore solutions, you can ensure they receive the care and support necessary to enjoy their golden years. If you’re interested in learning more about our work at Heather Glen Senior Living, give us a call at (610) 841-4478 or fill out our online form today.