After spending time together over the holidays, many families head into the New Year with a clearer idea of how their aging loved ones are managing day to day. Certain moments may stand out, while things that might not have felt urgent before now feel important to address. Here, we’ll explore some changes you might have noticed during your holiday visits and how Homewatch CareGivers of Longmont can help support your family in the year ahead.
Concerning signs you may have noticed over the winter holidays
Holiday visits and extended time together can reveal small, subtle changes that are easy to miss when most communication with your loved one happens by phone or video. For example, you may have noticed them moving more slowly, being less steady on their feet, or struggling with memory or following conversations. Or their home may show signs like clutter or expired food, all of which can indicate that daily responsibilities are becoming harder for them to manage independently. Common observations might include:
- Physical changes like slower movement, unsteadiness, or frequent bruising
- Cognitive changes such as disorientation, memory issues, or difficulty communicating
- Environmental changes like untidiness, expired food, or unopened mail
- Behavioral changes such as social withdrawal, changes in sleep, or neglecting hygiene
- Emotional changes including increased irritability, signs of depression, or shifts in mood
What do these changes mean for the year ahead?
Noticing physical, cognitive, environmental, behavioral, or emotional changes like these may indicate your loved one could benefit from non-medical home care, whether that means 24-hour caregiving, chronic condition care, elder care, personal care, veteran care, dementia care, or another form of caregiving.
And while smaller changes don’t always require a major change right away, they can be a reminder to start considering what kind of care could make life feel safer, easier, and more comfortable for your loved one moving forward.
If you’re considering outside care after the holidays, the New Year can also be a natural time for those initial conversations about home care. Framing the discussion around a fresh start can make it feel hopeful rather than overwhelming. When you’re ready to talk with your loved one, choose a quiet, private moment and approach the topic with empathy and an open mind. Listen closely, acknowledge their feelings, and focus on positive impacts like maintaining independence, staying in the comfort of home, and enjoying greater peace of mind.
Starting off the New Year with support
Even a few hours of professional home care per week can make a meaningful difference in your family’s life, easing stress while allowing you to focus on those valuable moments of connection with your loved one.
If the start of the year has you thinking differently about care, our team is here to help. Give Homewatch CareGivers of Longmont a call today at (303) 444-1133 to schedule your complimentary consultation and find out how compassionate, non-medical home care can make your New Year feel safer and more supported.