Signs to Watch For When Visiting Older Loved Ones: A Guide to Assessing Their Well-Being

Visits with older loved ones, whether during the holidays or just a weekend check-in, are an invaluable opportunity to catch up, share memories, and ensure their well-being. While it’s wonderful to focus on the joys of spending time together, these visits are also an important time to observe their environment, physical health, and emotional state to ensure they’re thriving.

At BrightStar Care of Hunterdon, we often work with families who first noticed their loved one needed help during a routine visit. Knowing what to look for and how to approach conversations about care can make a world of difference in helping them age safely and comfortably at home. Here are some key areas to pay attention to when visiting your older loved ones.

1. Physical Health and Mobility

What to Watch For:

• Noticeable weight loss or gain, which could indicate malnutrition, difficulty eating, or a medical condition.
• Difficulty walking or moving, including shuffling feet, struggling with stairs, or needing to hold onto furniture for balance.
• Signs of neglecting personal hygiene, such as unwashed hair, body odor, or unkempt clothing.

Why It Matters: Changes in physical health or mobility can increase the risk of falls and other health complications. If you notice these signs, it may be time to schedule a doctor’s visit or consider mobility aids.

2. Emotional Well-Being

What to Watch For:                      

• Uncharacteristic mood changes, such as irritability, sadness, or withdrawal.             
• Lack of interest in hobbies, social activities, or other things they used to enjoy.                   
• Mentioning feelings of loneliness or isolation.

Why It Matters: Emotional health is just as important as physical health. Depression and anxiety are common among older adults but are often overlooked. Visiting in person can help you pick up on nonverbal cues, like sadness or lack of engagement, that might go unnoticed during phone calls.

3. Cognitive Function

What to Watch For:    

• Repeatedly forgetting names, dates, or conversations.
• Unpaid bills or piles of unopened mail, indicating difficulty managing finances or memory lapses.
• Items placed in unusual locations (e.g., shoes in the refrigerator or keys in the bathroom).
• Confusion about familiar tasks or routines, such as cooking or making phone calls.

Why It Matters: Cognitive decline can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other health issues. Identifying these changes early allows for better planning and intervention.

4. The State of Their Living Environment

What to Watch For:

• Cluttered or dirty spaces, such as piles of laundry, dirty dishes, or garbage that hasn’t been taken out.
• Unsafe conditions, including loose rugs, dim lighting, or lack of handrails in areas like bathrooms and staircases.
• Spoiled food in the refrigerator or pantry, which could signal difficulty with meal preparation or grocery shopping.

Why It Matters: The state of a loved one’s home is often a reflection of their ability to maintain independence. Unsafe conditions may increase the risk of falls or infections.

5. Social Connections

What to Watch For:

• Lack of interaction with friends or family, especially if they’ve previously been social.                   
• Expressing reluctance to leave the house or participate in community events.                     
• Fewer phone calls, visits, or activities with their regular circle of friends.

Why It Matters: Social isolation can lead to loneliness, depression, and a decline in physical health. Seniors benefit greatly from regular social engagement and meaningful interactions.

What to Do If You Notice Concerns

If you observe any concerning changes, it’s important to approach the topic with compassion and sensitivity. Here are a few tips:

• Start the Conversation Gently: Use phrases like, “I’ve noticed it seems harder for you to get around the house lately. Is there anything I can do to help?”
• Focus on Partnership: Reassure them that you’re not trying to take away their independence but want to help them maintain it.
• Offer Specific Solutions: Suggest simple steps like hiring help with house cleaning or discussing health concerns with a doctor.

How BrightStar Care of Hunterdon Can Help

At BrightStar Care, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to manage the care of an older loved one. That’s why we provide personalized in-home care services that address everything from physical health to emotional well-being. Here’s how we can support your family:

• Companionship Services: If your loved one is feeling lonely or isolated, our caregivers provide meaningful companionship to keep them engaged and connected.
• Household Assistance: From light housekeeping to meal preparation, we help maintain a safe and comfortable living environment.
• Personal Care and Mobility Support: Our skilled caregivers assist with hygiene, dressing, and mobility, helping prevent falls and injuries.
• Health Monitoring: Our team keeps an eye on changes in health, including nutrition, medication management, and cognitive function, alerting families to any concerns.

A New Year, A Fresh Start

The next time you visit your older loved ones, take a few moments to observe their well-being—physically, emotionally, and environmentally. By catching early warning signs and addressing them proactively, you can help them maintain their health, safety, and independence.

At BrightStar Care of Hunterdon, we’re here to provide the support and expertise your family needs. Contact us today to learn how our in-home care services can make a difference for your loved one.

BrightStar Care^® is Here to Help

At BrightStar Care^® of Hunterdon, we offer a wide range of home care and medical staffing services that enrich the quality of life for those who need care from the comfort of their home. We strive to provide the full continuum of care to our community while keeping our focus on offering a higher standard of care. Offering unparalleled support for our local healthcare system while providing a variety of high-quality, compassionate care, we work to give our clients the best lives possible while also strengthening the broader community. Contact us through our website or call 908.627.4600, so that we can help you find the right support to fit your unique needs.