Visiting Loved Ones During the Holidays
As we enter the holiday season this year, many of you will be spending time with loved ones you do not see every day. As we gather to enjoy the company of others, including dinners, late night conversations, breakfast and fellowship, shopping, and other activities we love to do, this is also a time to take special care to notice things that may not have previously been apparent to you.
Many adults will be going home to see their senior parents or grandparents. While enjoying this time together, take the time to become aware of how your loved one is functioning during the day, evening, and night. For many adults, going home during the holidays can provide such a sense of warmth and nostalgia, especially if our parents still live in the home we grew up in. While that may be a great feeling for us, it could also pose challenges for aging parents as their abilities and health may change over time.
For example, you may notice blankets and pillows next to the sofa in the living room. If so, ask your loved one about that. Was it simply for naps? Are they now sleeping in the living room because all the bedrooms are upstairs, and they are afraid of falling on the stairs?
You may also notice your loved one holding onto walls or furniture as they navigate through the home at a much slower pace than they use to move. This could be a sign of a fall risk and you certainly want to take proactive steps to help.
As the Owner and President of Page Real Estate Services, I have worked to help Seniors for more than 16 years with resources such as real estate services, healthcare resources in the home and navigation through the multiple options for senior living communities.
Please contact me if you or a loved one needs assistance in the home or you feel it may be time to consider other living arrangements including selling the home, estate sales, and finding the right senior living environment for you or your loved one.