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Author: Home Helpers Home Care

Another year is coming to a close, and it has Jon and me reflecting on life in 2025 and the years leading up to it. Our children have grown into responsible adults, each pursuing their passions and flourishing!

As I think about Lauren, Ethan, and Nolan and their individual journeys, I remember that they all had unique and not-so-unique needs from the time they were born. Now that they have matured, their needs have changed.

At Thanksgiving, Jon and I noticed that it’s not only our adult children who have changed. We both have aging parents and relatives who will also be joining us for food, fun, and fellowship at Christmas. Therefore, we plan to be proactively attentive to notice 4 primary indicators of senior needs as explained by AgingCare.

“Unfortunately, age-related decline can happen quickly, and, in many cases, older adults are determined to conceal or downplay any new or worsening problems they may be having. For many families, holiday visits are the only opportunity they get all year to see aging loved ones in person, so it’s important to pay close attention to their physical and mental health and their living situation. Absence, even for a short period, often allows us to observe a situation with fresh eyes upon our return. For this reason, visits during the holidays can reveal a great deal about our aging loved ones,” explains Gail M. Samaha of GMS Associates, a contributing writer at AgingCare.

Signs of Age-Related Decline You May Observe During the Holidays

1. Weight Loss – There can be many explanations for a senior’s weight loss; however, it is important to evaluate the underlying cause(s). Cancer, dementia, depression, and certain medications can cause a reduction in appetite. Seniors who live alone may not feel motivated to go grocery shopping, plan and prepare meals, or clean up afterward, meaning they are likely not getting the vitamins and nutrients they need to stay strong and healthy. If you notice weight loss in a senior loved one, encourage them (or accompany them) to their doctor for an evaluation.
2. Changes in Balance and Mobility – How well are the seniors in your life moving and walking? If you notice a change in their gait or signs of pain upon movement, these could be indicative of joint, muscle, or neurological problems. These can also put them at risk of falling and suffering fall-related injuries like broken bones. Your senior loved one should see their doctor to discuss available remedies to keep them safe, such as pain management, physical therapy, in-home care, or ambulation devices. The fear of falling could prevent seniors from going out for social occasions, which can lead to loneliness, depression, and accelerated frailty.
3. Mood Swings and Changes in Behavior – While spending time with senior loved ones, inquire about their daily routines and favorite pastimes to discern if they are still actively participating. Are they still going to church on Sundays? Are they still playing their weekly card game with friends? “Look for signs of depression and anxiety, including withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleep patterns, loss of interest in hobbies, and changes in basic home maintenance and personal hygiene. The latter can be an indicator of cognitive decline or other physical ailments like dehydration, which often happens to elders in the winter months and can be serious.” If you notice any sudden odd behavior, such as agitation or confusion, a doctor visit is strongly recommended to determine if a urinary tract infection (UTI) could be the culprit. UTIs are very common among elders and, while they are easily resolved with antibiotics, they cause serious symptoms that can mimic or exacerbate dementia-related behaviors. Additionally, if UTIs are left untreated, they can become septic and fatal.
4. Changes in their Home Environment – If your senior loved one has always kept a clean and tidy home and kept up with their bills, but while visiting, you notice unopened mail, excess clutter, expired foods and medications, piles of dirty laundry, or scorched pans that were forgotten while in use, these may be signs of decline and the need for a family or professional caregiver to help.

If you notice any of these 4 indicators that your senior loved ones may need help, I encourage you to contact me at Home Helpers to schedule a FREE Assessment so we can discuss the home care services we provide to make life easier.

Our compassionate caregivers are background-checked, licensed, bonded, insured, and skillfully trained to provide the necessary support your senior loved one needs to stay independent in their home for as long as possible.

Our team is honored to have received the Activated Insights – Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience, Provider of Choice, and the Employer of Choice Awards 2025, as well as the 2026 Caring Super Star Award from Caring.com.

Home Helpers® Wheaton & Naperville is proudly Making Life Easier℠ for veterans, differently-abled individuals, and senior men and women in Aurora, Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Itasca, Medinah, Mooseheart, Naperville, Plainfield, Roselle, Schaumburg, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield.

Source:

AgingCare