At Generations, we have a team of social workers who advocate, assess, and help families navigate through the complicated healthcare system. This time of year, we see a lot of families dealing with a healthcare crisis. That could be a fall, a sudden illness, or an unexpected, complicated diagnosis. Our team often wishes that we could have intervened earlier and saved the family some heartache and stress. Most of the time loved ones just don’t know what to look for in order to prevent a bigger event.
There are subtle signs that can indicate changes in health before it becomes a crisis point. As you are visiting your families this holiday season, here are five signs to look for so that you can intervene early and safely.
Decline in Personal Hygiene or Appearance
If your parent appears disheveled, is wearing stained clothes, or seems to have neglected bathing or grooming, it may be more than a matter of comfort or preference. Changes in personal hygiene can stem from physical limitations like arthritis, balance problems, or fatigue — or from cognitive decline, such as forgetting routines.
Weight Loss or Poor Eating Habits
Pay attention to your parent’s weight, eating patterns, and the state of their kitchen. An empty fridge, expired food, or piles of takeout containers can all indicate difficulty cooking, grocery shopping, or managing nutrition. Unintentional weight loss can also signal underlying medical or emotional issues.
Memory Problems or Increased Confusion
Occasional forgetfulness is normal, but repeated confusion about dates, medications, bills, or familiar tasks can suggest cognitive decline. Watch for repeated questions, misplaced items, or difficulty following conversations.
Trouble Moving or Changes in Balance
Watch how your parents move through their home. Are they reaching for walls or furniture for support? Avoiding stairs? Complaining of dizziness or fatigue? These are often early indicators of mobility issues that increase fall risk — one of the leading causes of injury in older adults.
Withdrawal or Mood Changes
Emotional health often declines quietly. If your parent seems withdrawn, less engaged in conversation, or uninterested in activities they once enjoyed, depression or isolation may be factors. The holidays can amplify these feelings, especially after the loss of a spouse or close friend.
Taking Action with Compassion
Recognizing that a loved one may be declining is never easy, but noticing the signs early gives families the best chance to intervene before a crisis occurs.
These topics often need a gentle approach. If you see signs that concern you, start by opening a compassionate, nonjudgmental conversation. Listen first, express concern, and offer support rather than solutions right away. Years of family dynamics can complicate talking to your parents about their care needs. Offering assistance while allowing them to maintain their independence is a delicate balance to strike.
If you need help or guidance, you can always call Generations. Our team of experts offers a client-centered approach to the needs of the elderly, persons with disabilities and their families. We can do a comprehensive, holistic assessment that can be used to create a care plan filled with resource recommendations, professional referrals, care coordination and communication with physicians, specialists, family and much more. With the family’s guidance, we can implement the care plan and take some of the stress from the family. As a bonus, we are also available 24/7 for crisis response. If you need more information on our services, please call our office at 201-845-7030.