Notice Senior Needs this Holiday Season
Author: Brian Heckman
The holidays can be difficult for seniors living alone in the Stark County area. Days are shorter, nights are longer, and the weather can be downright frightful!
Family gatherings that include senior loved ones tend to lift their spirits with good food, fellowship, and fun activities, especially when children are involved. They also serve as opportunities to quietly observe seniors to determine if they may be experiencing challenges with their physical or mental health, which could be impacting their activities of daily living.
Damey and I have owned our Home Helpers® franchise for 16 years, and we have had the pleasure of meeting many seniors and their family members, to begin Making Life Easier® for the elders to live independently for as long as possible.
Many of our consultations have been scheduled after family members noticed senior needs in the Canton, OH, area, and took the necessary steps to help them. That is why we encourage you to notice senior needs this holiday season, so 2026 can truly be a happy and healthy new year for your aging loved ones!
Here are some key things to look for as you gather this holiday season:
1. Financial struggles.
If your loved one seems behind on bills, is receiving calls from collectors, or has bounced checks, it could be a sign they’re having trouble managing their finances. These issues may point to confusion, stress, or cognitive changes.
2. Home maintenance issues.
Take a look around the home. Are the kitchen appliances working? Are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in good shape? If the home is unusually cluttered or the yard is overgrown, your loved one may be overwhelmed.
3. Changes in mood.
If your senior loved one seems more irritable, anxious, or withdrawn, it could be more than holiday stress. Mood swings may signal a physical issue, medication side effects, or emotional struggles. Encourage a doctor’s visit and consider in-home companion care to help them stay socially and emotionally engaged.
4. Signs of depression.
The holidays can be lonely for seniors, especially those who’ve lost loved ones. If your aging family member seems down, disinterested, or tired, they may need additional emotional support.
5. Confusion or forgetfulness.
If your loved one seems unsure how to perform familiar tasks or forgets details of conversations, it may be time for a medical evaluation.
6. Changes in personal appearance.
Pay attention to hygiene and dress. If your loved one’s clothing is soiled or worn, or they appear unkempt, they may be struggling with daily self-care.
7. Noticeable weight loss or appetite changes.
If your senior loved one isn’t eating much or is skipping meals, they may not be preparing proper meals and snacks at home, or there could be an underlying physical issue.
8. Medication management.
Are prescription bottles full when they should be empty, or do they seem unsure about their medication routine? Improper medication management can be dangerous.
9. Social isolation.
If your loved one avoids gatherings or no longer participates in favorite activities, they could be feeling alone and isolated.
10. Mobility challenges.
If you notice that your aging loved one is experiencing difficulty standing, walking, or they have unexplained bruises, it could indicate a fall risk.
11. A home that needs attention.
Sometimes, the environment tells the story — expired food in the fridge, piles of laundry, or unopened mail may signal that daily responsibilities are becoming too much.
12. Concerns about driving.
If your senior loved one’s car has unexplained dents or scratches, it may be time to discuss safe transportation alternatives, like taxis, ride shares, and transportation assistance by a licensed, bonded, and insured caregiver at Home Helpers.
The in-home care services for seniors we provide help them stay independent in their own homes for as long as possible. These services include, but are not limited to:
- Companion Care
- Personal Care
- Homemaker Services
- 24-Hour Home Care
- 24-hour Monitoring
- Wellness Calls
- Meal Planning & Preparation
- Specialized Care - Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Parkinson’s, Support for Stroke Recovery, Recuperative Care, Developmental & Intellectual Differences
- Respite Care
- Wake-up & Tuck-in Services
At Home Helpers® Canton, we’re here to do exactly what our name says: help. We’re more than an in-home health care agency. We’re your extended family when family can’t be there.
Damey and I invite you to take advantage of our FREE consultation at your convenience. Our client care coordinator will meet with you or your senior loved one to create a personalized care plan that includes the services that will be most beneficial to make life easier and maintain senior independence in the Stark County area. 330.892.9329
Home Helpers® Canton, OH, is Veteran-owned and operated. We are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award, the Shooting Star Award (2011), and multiple Platinum awards for the superior level of care we provide. We are Certified Senior Advisors and members of the Home Care Association of America, Alzheimer’s Association, and International Franchise Association. Additionally, we were ranked in the Top 500 Franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2019.
Home Helpers® Canton is Making Life Easier™ every day for male and female seniors in Stark County, Portage County, and portions of Summit County, including the communities of Akron, Alliance, Canton, East Sparta, Hartville, Jackson, Massillon, Navarre, North Canton, Randolph, and surrounding areas. 330.892.9329
Source: