Home for the Holidays

DECEMBER 26, 2025

The holidays are often one of the few times a year when everyone is under the same roof again. There are shared meals, familiar traditions, and moments that remind us why family matters so much. Sitting around the table or on the couch together can feel especially meaningful when loved ones live far apart. 

Sometimes, though, these visits also bring new worries into focus. You may notice that a parent seems more forgetful, a grandparent moves a little more slowly, or a loved one avoids tasks that used to be easy. What once felt like simple quirks can start to look more like signs that they might need extra support. 

It can be hard to know what to do with those concerns. You want to honor your loved one’s independence and dignity, but you also want to keep them safe and well. The questions below are meant to gently guide what you pay attention to during your visit. They can help you notice changes, start compassionate conversations, and decide whether it might be time to look into additional support at home. 

 

Questions to Consider While You Are Home 

Use the following questions as a guide. Notice whether there have been any significant changes in abilities, behavior, or environment since your last visit. 

Personal appearance and daily care 

• Is your family member clean and properly dressed 

• Have you noticed any significant weight change, either gain or loss 

• Does your family member wear clothing that is appropriate for the weather 

• Is there body odor that might suggest bathing is harder to manage 

• Has your family member or anyone else mentioned changes to hearing, sight, or speech 

Mobility and safety in the home 

• How is their walking 

• Do they seem unsteady on their feet or reach for furniture to steady themselves 

• Have there been any recent falls or near misses 

• Are there new bruises that they cannot explain 

• Do they struggle to get in or out of a favorite chair or bed 

• Can they move safely around tight corners, stairs, or small spaces 

Memory, thinking, and mood 

• Do they repeat questions or stories more than before 

• Do they lose track of the day or time 

• Are bills, mail, or important paperwork piling up 

• Have you noticed unopened medications or confusion about which pills to take 

• Is there a change in mood, such as increased irritability, withdrawal, or anxiety 

• Do they seem less interested in hobbies, social activities, or time with others 

Home environment 

• Is the home reasonably clean and safe 

• Is spoiled food sitting in the refrigerator or pantry 

• Are basic tasks like dishes, laundry, or trash clearly being avoided or missed 

• Does the bathroom look clean and safe to use 

• Are there clear paths through the home, or has clutter created tripping hazards 

Out in the community 

• Does your loved one seem comfortable driving, or are there new dents, scrapes, or traffic concerns 

• Can they manage simple outings, such as going to the store, church, or appointments 

• Are they keeping up with medical visits, follow up care, and recommended screenings 

• Have neighbors, friends, or church members mentioned changes they have noticed 

You do not need to have perfect answers to each question. Think of them as conversation starters and gentle indicators. If you notice several changes at once, or if something just does not feel right, it may be time to take a closer look at whether additional support is needed. 

 

What To Do If You Are Concerned 

If your observations lead to concerns, you do not need to move into action all at once. It often helps to take things one step at a time. 

Start with a compassionate conversation 
Find a quiet, relaxed moment to check in with your loved one. Share what you have noticed and ask what feels hardest for them right now. Listen more than you speak. The goal is to understand where they feel confident and where they may feel overwhelmed. 

Involve other family members or trusted people 
If you are not the only person who visits, ask siblings or other relatives what they have noticed. Sometimes everyone has been seeing pieces of the same picture without putting it together. Working as a team can reduce the pressure on any one person. 

Talk with your loved one’s health care provider 
With permission, reach out to their doctor or nurse to share your observations. Ask whether recent changes could be related to medications, medical conditions, or new diagnoses. Sometimes simple adjustments can make a big difference. 

Explore support options early 
Support at home can be flexible and tailored to the person and family. Options might include: 

• Help with bathing, dressing, or meal preparation 

• Companionship visits to reduce isolation and support mood 

• Medication reminders and wellness checks 

• Transportation to appointments or errands 

• Respite support for family caregivers who need a break 

You do not have to commit to a large amount of care right away. Many families start with a small amount of help and adjust as needs change. 

Keep communication open 
If you decide to explore home care, keep your loved one involved in the conversation as much as possible. Ask what feels most important to them. Respecting their preferences can help them feel more comfortable with support and less like decisions are being made around them. 

 

Holding Both Joy and Concern 

It can feel emotional to balance holiday joy with new worries about someone you love. You might feel grateful to be together and sad about the changes you see at the same time. Both can be true. 

Remember that noticing these changes is an act of care. Paying attention is often the first step toward making sure a loved one stays as safe, independent, and connected as possible. 

If you are unsure what your next steps should be, you do not have to figure it out alone. A Professional Care Manager can help you sort through what you are seeing, talk about options, and build a plan that fits your family’s needs and values. 

The holidays are a meaningful time to be present with the people who matter most. Taking the time to notice, to ask gentle questions, and to explore support is one way to honor that love, long after the decorations are put away.