What to Look Out for in Senior Loved Ones During the Holiday Season

The holiday season brings opportunities to connect with family, often visiting older relatives we might not see frequently. While this can be a joyous time, Griswold, a leading non-medical senior care franchise with over 170 units, understands that it’s also a chance to notice subtle changes in our loved ones. These changes may sometimes be harmless, but they can also indicate that your senior family member might benefit from additional care or support.

Here are the key signs to look for when spending time with aging loved ones this holiday season.

The holidays are often synonymous with joy and celebration, so a noticeable decline in enthusiasm could signal deeper issues. If your loved one isn’t decorating their home, or if they’re avoiding family gatherings or showing a lack of interest in festive activities they once enjoyed, they might be experiencing loneliness, emotional distress or even early signs of cognitive decline.

What to Do: Gently ask how they’re feeling about the season and whether there’s anything you can do to help them enjoy it more. This conversation can provide valuable insight into their emotional well-being.

Holiday traditions like baking, decorating or sending cards can reveal changes in behavior that might indicate underlying conditions. If Grandma’s famous cookies are missing from the table or Grandpa hasn’t set up his usual decorations, it may indicate they’re struggling with energy levels, physical limitations or cognitive issues.

What to Do: Offer to assist with holiday preparations and observe whether they appear overwhelmed by tasks that were once simple for them.

Occasional forgetfulness is normal, but significant lapses — such as forgetting whom they’ve bought gifts for, struggling to wrap them or giving inappropriate gifts — may point to cognitive challenges.

What to Do: Approach the topic gently. Ask about the story behind the gift to understand their thought process and gauge their memory.

The holidays are often a time to dress up and look one’s best, so a decline in personal grooming may be a warning sign. Wearing the same clothes repeatedly, neglecting hygiene or appearing unkempt could be indicators of physical limitations or memory challenges.

What to Do: Note any significant changes and, if appropriate, ask if they’re finding it difficult to keep up with daily routines. This can open the door to discussing potential solutions.

The holidays emphasize togetherness, so withdrawing from family gatherings or social situations can be concerning. This behavior might stem from depression, hearing difficulties or feelings of isolation.

What to Do: Encourage participation in low-pressure activities and check in to see if they’re feeling overwhelmed or disconnected. Social withdrawal might indicate the need for emotional or medical support.

The state of a senior’s living environment can provide important clues about their well-being. Unwashed dishes, spoiled food in the fridge or piles of unopened mail could suggest physical or cognitive difficulties managing daily tasks.

What to Do: Offer help with chores or errands during your visit. This support can not only provide immediate relief but also help you better understand their needs.

With busy holiday schedules, it’s easy for seniors to miss doses of medication or become confused about timing. Missed or incorrect doses can have serious health consequences, particularly for those managing chronic conditions.

What to Do: Check if their medication is organized in a pill dispenser and ensure they’re sticking to their schedule. Automated reminders or caregiver support can help prevent missed doses.

If you observe any of these warning signs, it’s important to address them with care and sensitivity. Here’s how you can take action:

• Start a Conversation: Talk to your loved one about the changes you’ve noticed and ask how you can help.

• Seek Professional Advice: Consult with a health care provider or caregiving service to assess their needs.

• Consider In-Home Care: Griswold offers compassionate, non-medical in-home care to help seniors maintain their independence while staying safe and supported.

The holidays are a time to show love and care, and being observant can make a big difference in a senior’s well-being. Recognizing these signs early allows you to take proactive steps, ensuring they feel supported and valued during the festive season and beyond.