3 Things to Do While Visiting Aging Parents for the Holidays

Take advantage of your holiday visit to check on older adults

During the holidays, many people will be visiting aging parents or relatives.

That makes it a perfect opportunity to observe them in their “natural habitat” – you’ll get to see how they’re really doing.

This year, use some of your time at home to do 3 things: make sure your older adults are doing well, make simple home safety updates, and start important conversations about the future.

We share tips that help you focus on important details that will make a big difference in the long run.

1. Discreetly check on independent seniors

If your parents or relatives are living independently, the holidays are a great time to discreetly check on them.

By doing this every year and keeping notes, you’ll be able to spot changes more easily in the future.

Use our handy printable PDF checklist to evaluate changes in their physical, mental, and emotional health.

 

2. Spend an afternoon on home safety updates

While you’re visiting, you might have an opportunity to make a few simple safety updates.

These easy fixes don’t take much time and can help older adults avoid common accidents so they can stay independent longer.

Try these:

• Quick fixes for bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen
• More quick fixes for kitchen and around the house
• If their bath mats are slippery (a real hazard!), replace them with a stylish low-profile, non-slip mats

 

3. Start meaningful conversations about the future

When family gets together over the holidays, it’s a good opportunity for meaningful conversations.

If you haven’t already started talking about aging and plans for the future, consider bringing up the subject at a strategic time.

You might be surprised – many parents appreciate having these conversation and will be grateful that you brought it up.

Use these tips to prepare for a successful conversation and keep a few of the conversation starters in mind to make it easier to get the ball rolling.

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3 Things to Do While Visiting Aging Parents for the Holidays