The holidays are a time for family, tradition, and togetherness. For many adult children, they’re also one of the few times each year spent closely with aging parents. While these visits are meaningful, they can sometimes reveal changes that are easy to miss from a distance.
If you’re visiting an aging parent this holiday season, here are seven signs that may indicate they could benefit from extra support or assisted living.
1. Changes in Personal Hygiene or Appearance
Noticeable changes such as unwashed clothing, body odor, or neglected grooming may signal that daily tasks are becoming difficult — physically or cognitively.
2. Unopened Mail or Missed Bills
Stacks of unopened mail, unpaid bills, or financial confusion can point to memory issues or overwhelm with daily responsibilities.
3. An Empty Refrigerator or Expired Food
A lack of groceries, spoiled food, or reliance on packaged snacks may suggest your loved one is struggling to shop, cook, or maintain proper nutrition.
4. Increased Forgetfulness or Confusion
Repeating stories, forgetting appointments, or confusion with dates and medications can be early indicators that additional support would be helpful.
5. Difficulty Moving Around Safely
Watch for:
- Trouble standing up or walking
- Holding onto furniture for balance
- Bruises from recent falls
Mobility challenges significantly increase the risk of injury when living alone.
6. Withdrawal from Social Activities
If your parent no longer attends social events, hobbies, or family gatherings they once enjoyed, it could signal isolation, depression, or declining confidence.
7. Caregiver Burnout (If Another Loved One Is Helping)
If a spouse or family caregiver appears exhausted or overwhelmed, it may be time to explore professional support before a crisis occurs.
Starting the Conversation Can Feel Hard — But It Matters
Noticing these signs doesn’t mean immediate action is required, but they do open the door for an important conversation. Assisted living can provide support while preserving independence, dignity, and quality of life.
At The Park Danforth, we offer compassionate guidance to help families navigate next steps — without pressure.
If you’re concerned about a loved one this holiday season, contact The Park Danforth to talk through your options.