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For some, the holidays bring that warm, fuzzy feeling, while for others they are more challenging. Many have high expectations that are difficult to meet, no matter your family circumstances. However, when adult children come home and see parents and other older relatives after time apart, they may discover that their loved ones need more help than they know, especially if they live alone.
This holiday season, there are a few main areas to focus on to ensure mom or dad are doing well. First look for signs of self-neglect such as diminished hygiene or failure to eat or take medications regularly. Secondly, observe how they are handling household finances-do you see stacks of unopened mail and unpaid bills? Third, pay attention to their driving. Check for scrapes or dings on the car and whether they have complained about traffic citations.
For a more detailed list of warning signs to watch out for, check out this article from AARP.
If you are spending your holidays with a loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia, there are strategies that can be used to make the time together as enjoyable as possible.