The holiday season is a time for families to reconnect, share traditions and create lasting memories. However, these gatherings can also reveal changes in a senior’s physical or mental health that may not be as evident over a phone call or video chat.
What do you do when you discover that extra help for your senior loved one is needed? How do you address the issue without derailing your holiday plans?
Recognizing when it’s time for in-home health care and support is essential in helping ensure your senior loved one can continue aging in place and celebrating holidays in the comfort of their own home.
Signs That Seniors May Need Extra Help
Family members may notice subtle—or even more obvious—signs that a loved one could benefit from additional support. Some key indicators include:
- Difficulty with daily activities: Struggles with bathing, dressing, meal preparation or taking medications may be apparent.
- Changes in mobility: Trouble navigating stairs, moving from room to room, or maintaining balance can signal a need for assistance.
- Neglected household tasks: Unopened mail, expired food in the refrigerator, or a cluttered living space may indicate challenges in managing household responsibilities.
- Physical appearance or grooming issues: Noticeable weight loss, poor hygiene, or signs of fatigue may reflect difficulties with self-care.
- Indicators of isolation and loneliness: Withdrawal from social activities, or expressing feelings of loneliness, can be signs of poor emotional health and overall well-being of a senior aging in place.
The Benefits of In-Home Health Care and Support
It may seem simple: either your senior loved one can take care of themselves and live independently or they can’t. But many seniors can continue aging in place on their own for years if they have assistance with specific tasks and functions that are no longer as easy as they used to be. Discussing the need for support or care can be an emotionally difficult conversation, as your loved one may feel deep ties to the independent life they have led thus far. And the holidays can specifically trigger stronger emotions around the effects of aging and nostalgia for past holiday seasons.
Just because your senior loved one needs additional support doesn’t mean they need help with everything. In-home health care services provide tailored support to help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life. By addressing specific needs, these services can:
- Allow seniors to remain in familiar surroundings, preserving comfort and routine.
- Promote safety by assisting with mobility, medication management and activities of daily living.
- Offer companionship, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Provide peace of mind for families, knowing that loved ones are receiving attentive, professional care.
- Enable seniors to continue hosting and enjoying future holidays at home.
Bethesda’s Care in Your Home Services Support Seniors Aging in Place
Bethesda’s at-home senior care services are designed to meet the unique needs of seniors who need additional support but can continue aging in place safely in their homes. These services include personal care, medication reminders, meal preparation, help with laundry and light housekeeping, transportation, companionship, and more. Experienced caregivers work closely with families to develop individualized care plans, ensuring that each senior receives the support they need while maintaining their dignity and independence. Bethesda’s Home Health Care services can also address more intensive health care needs with skilled nursing and therapy to enable your loved one to get stronger and back to doing what they love.
With Bethesda’s compassionate team, seniors can feel empowered to stay in their homes, enjoy their traditions, and continue making holiday memories surrounded by family and friends. And families can rest assured, knowing their loved ones are safe, comfortable, and cared for—today and for many holidays to come.
Recognizing when a senior may need extra help is an important step in supporting their overall well-being. At any point in the process of aging, Bethesda is here to offer appropriate care to help your Mom or Dad enjoy life to its fullest potential.
