The holiday season is a time for family, laughter, and connection. It’s also a perfect opportunity to check your senior parents’ well-being.
As you share meals and catch up, you might notice changes that weren't obvious before—physical, emotional, or even cognitive.
BrightStar Care of Las Vegas is here to help you turn these observations into actionable steps to ensure your loved ones stay happy and healthy.
1. Mobility and Balance
Watch how they move around the house. Are they steady on their feet?
Look for signs of unsteadiness, such as holding onto walls or furniture or using their arms excessively to stand up from a chair.
Pay attention to whether they avoid certain activities due to difficulty moving around.
2. Weight Changes
Notice if their clothes fit differently—this could signal weight loss or gain.
Ask casually about their appetite or if they’ve been eating regular meals.
Sudden or significant weight changes may point to underlying health problems or difficulties with meal preparation.
3. Strength and Stamina
Observe how they perform basic tasks, like carrying groceries or getting up from a seated position.
Do they seem more tired than usual or require frequent breaks during simple activities?
4. Hygiene and Grooming
Check if they’re keeping up with personal hygiene routines, such as bathing and brushing their teeth.
Look for unkempt hair, wrinkled clothes, or body odor, which could indicate physical or cognitive challenges.
5. Pain or Discomfort
Ask if they’re experiencing new or worsening pain, such as joint aches or back issues.
Look for signs of discomfort, like wincing when they move or avoiding certain motions altogether.
6. Vision and Hearing
Pay attention to how well they navigate their environment—are they bumping into things or squinting at objects?
Note whether they struggle to follow conversations or ask you to repeat things frequently, which could signal hearing issues.
7. Medications and Health Routines
Ask if they’re managing medication consumption and attending regular health checkups.
Look for signs that they may forget doses or have expired prescriptions.
1. Mood and Behavior
Notice changes in their usual demeanor—do they seem more irritable, sad, or withdrawn?
Whether they’ve lost interest in hobbies or previously enjoyed activities.
Look for signs of low energy, excessive sleeping, or trouble maintaining a positive outlook.
2. Social Engagement
Observe how often they interact with friends, neighbors, or family.
Do they seem eager to participate in conversations and holiday events or avoid social activities?
A lack of engagement could signal feelings of isolation or emotional distress.
3. Memory and Cognitive Skills
Watch for common signs of cognitive changes in old age, such as forgetting appointments, losing items, or struggling to recall names and dates.
Note if they repeat questions during a single conversation or struggle to follow along in discussions.
Difficulty planning or completing familiar tasks may indicate cognitive changes due to aging.
4. Signs of Loneliness or Depression
Pay attention to comments that hint at loneliness, such as expressing how much they miss loved ones or feeling like a burden.
Look for physical signs of depression, such as weight loss, poor hygiene, or a lack of motivation to maintain their living space.
Subtle hints like avoiding eye contact or appearing overly tired may also point to emotional struggles.
5. Stress and Anxiety
Ask how they feel about daily life—are they overwhelmed by bills, housework, or health management?
Observe if they seem restless, fidgety, or overly worried about minor issues.
Increased stress can worsen cognitive changes and impact emotional well-being.
6. Communication Changes
Are they slower to respond during conversations, or do they seem confused by simple questions?
Pay attention to whether they lose their train of thought or struggle to articulate their needs clearly.
These subtle changes may indicate underlying mental health or cognitive concerns.
7. Sleep Patterns
Ask how they’ve been sleeping—trouble falling or staying asleep can impact mood and cognitive function.
Watch for signs of insomnia, excessive daytime napping, or disrupted sleep schedules.
1. Choose the Right Time and Setting
Find a quiet, comfortable moment when you can talk without distractions.
Avoid raising concerns during holiday meals or stressful times; aim for a relaxed atmosphere.
Sample conversation starter: “Mom, I enjoyed catching up this week. Can we take some time to talk about how you’ve been feeling lately?”
2. Express Observations, Not Judgments
Frame your concerns as observations rather than criticisms to avoid making your parents feel defensive.
Use “I” statements to express how you feel and what you’ve noticed.
Sample conversation: “Dad, I noticed you’ve been holding onto the walls more when walking around. I just want to make sure you’re feeling steady on your feet.”
3. Focus on Their Well-Being
Emphasize your desire to help them stay healthy, independent, and happy.
Avoid framing the conversation as if they need "help," which can feel disempowering.
Sample conversation: “We all want you to enjoy your home for as long as possible. Maybe there are some small adjustments we can make to keep things safe and comfortable.”
4. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings about any challenges they might be facing.
Let them feel heard and involved in the discussion.
Sample conversation: “How have you been feeling about keeping up with daily tasks like cooking or cleaning? Is there anything harder lately?”
5. Collaborate on Solutions
Instead of dictating changes, involve them in brainstorming ways to address concerns.
Present options and let them take part in the decision-making process.
Sample conversation: “Would adding some grab bars in the bathroom help you feel more secure? We can look into options together if that sounds helpful.”
6. Reassure Them of Your Support
Let your parents know your goal is to make life easier for them, not to take control away.
Reassure them that this is a partnership and you’ll be there every step of the way.
Sample conversation: “We’re in this together, and I’ll always be here to help with whatever you need. You don’t have to figure this out alone.”
Be Patient and Open to Follow-Ups
Understand that your parents may need time to process the conversation and feelings.
Be prepared to revisit the topic later in a gentle and understanding way.
Sample follow-up: “I know we discussed some big changes last week. Have you had any new thoughts about what we discussed?”
The holidays are more than just decorations and presents—they’re a chance to reconnect and look after the people you love most. By being mindful of changes in your parents’ physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being, you can help them enjoy this special time of year while planning for a bright and healthy future. BrightStar Care of Las Vegas guides you every step of the way, ensuring your parents stay safe, happy, and supported.
We look forward to hearing from you!
As you share meals and catch up, you might notice changes that weren't obvious before—physical, emotional, or even cognitive.
BrightStar Care of Las Vegas is here to help you turn these observations into actionable steps to ensure your loved ones stay happy and healthy.
Spotting Physical Health Concerns
Visiting your parents during the holidays is perfect for observing their physical health. Changes can happen gradually, and it’s easy to miss them without regular in-person interaction. Use this guide to evaluate their physical health and identify any potential issues that might require attention:1. Mobility and Balance
Watch how they move around the house. Are they steady on their feet?
Look for signs of unsteadiness, such as holding onto walls or furniture or using their arms excessively to stand up from a chair.
Pay attention to whether they avoid certain activities due to difficulty moving around.
2. Weight Changes
Notice if their clothes fit differently—this could signal weight loss or gain.
Ask casually about their appetite or if they’ve been eating regular meals.
Sudden or significant weight changes may point to underlying health problems or difficulties with meal preparation.
3. Strength and Stamina
Observe how they perform basic tasks, like carrying groceries or getting up from a seated position.
Do they seem more tired than usual or require frequent breaks during simple activities?
4. Hygiene and Grooming
Check if they’re keeping up with personal hygiene routines, such as bathing and brushing their teeth.
Look for unkempt hair, wrinkled clothes, or body odor, which could indicate physical or cognitive challenges.
5. Pain or Discomfort
Ask if they’re experiencing new or worsening pain, such as joint aches or back issues.
Look for signs of discomfort, like wincing when they move or avoiding certain motions altogether.
6. Vision and Hearing
Pay attention to how well they navigate their environment—are they bumping into things or squinting at objects?
Note whether they struggle to follow conversations or ask you to repeat things frequently, which could signal hearing issues.
7. Medications and Health Routines
Ask if they’re managing medication consumption and attending regular health checkups.
Look for signs that they may forget doses or have expired prescriptions.
Assessing Emotional and Mental Well-Being
The holiday season is a wonderful time to reconnect with your parents, but it can also bring to light the emotional and cognitive challenges they may be facing. Use this guide to evaluate their emotional and mental well-being, ensuring they’re receiving the care and attention they need:1. Mood and Behavior
Notice changes in their usual demeanor—do they seem more irritable, sad, or withdrawn?
Whether they’ve lost interest in hobbies or previously enjoyed activities.
Look for signs of low energy, excessive sleeping, or trouble maintaining a positive outlook.
2. Social Engagement
Observe how often they interact with friends, neighbors, or family.
Do they seem eager to participate in conversations and holiday events or avoid social activities?
A lack of engagement could signal feelings of isolation or emotional distress.
3. Memory and Cognitive Skills
Watch for common signs of cognitive changes in old age, such as forgetting appointments, losing items, or struggling to recall names and dates.
Note if they repeat questions during a single conversation or struggle to follow along in discussions.
Difficulty planning or completing familiar tasks may indicate cognitive changes due to aging.
4. Signs of Loneliness or Depression
Pay attention to comments that hint at loneliness, such as expressing how much they miss loved ones or feeling like a burden.
Look for physical signs of depression, such as weight loss, poor hygiene, or a lack of motivation to maintain their living space.
Subtle hints like avoiding eye contact or appearing overly tired may also point to emotional struggles.
5. Stress and Anxiety
Ask how they feel about daily life—are they overwhelmed by bills, housework, or health management?
Observe if they seem restless, fidgety, or overly worried about minor issues.
Increased stress can worsen cognitive changes and impact emotional well-being.
6. Communication Changes
Are they slower to respond during conversations, or do they seem confused by simple questions?
Pay attention to whether they lose their train of thought or struggle to articulate their needs clearly.
These subtle changes may indicate underlying mental health or cognitive concerns.
7. Sleep Patterns
Ask how they’ve been sleeping—trouble falling or staying asleep can impact mood and cognitive function.
Watch for signs of insomnia, excessive daytime napping, or disrupted sleep schedules.
Evaluating the Safety of Their Living Environment
Take a moment to observe their home. Are pathways clear of tripping hazards? Are appliances and lighting functioning properly? Older adults face more significant risks of falls and accidents, and a safe living environment is essential. Simple updates like better lighting or grab bars in the bathroom can make a big difference in their safety and independence.Monitoring Social Engagement and Support Networks
Healthy social lives can do wonders for seniors, but aging sometimes leads to isolation. Look at your parents' engagement with friends, family, or community groups. Do they seem excited about upcoming social plans, or are they spending most of their time alone? Encouraging regular interactions can boost both their mood and cognitive health as they navigate the cognitive changes of old age.Reviewing Daily Living Skills and Independence
During your visit, pay attention to how they’re managing everyday tasks. Are they maintaining personal hygiene, preparing meals, and remembering medications? Struggles with these tasks can indicate more significant issues, including aging-related cognitive changes. Recognizing these challenges early allows you to introduce the right help level before problems escalate.Addressing Concerns with Sensitivity
Discussing your concerns about your parent’s well-being can feel daunting, but open and empathetic communication fosters trust and collaboration. Here’s a guide to approaching these conversations with sensitivity, ensuring your parents feel supported and respected:1. Choose the Right Time and Setting
Find a quiet, comfortable moment when you can talk without distractions.
Avoid raising concerns during holiday meals or stressful times; aim for a relaxed atmosphere.
Sample conversation starter: “Mom, I enjoyed catching up this week. Can we take some time to talk about how you’ve been feeling lately?”
2. Express Observations, Not Judgments
Frame your concerns as observations rather than criticisms to avoid making your parents feel defensive.
Use “I” statements to express how you feel and what you’ve noticed.
Sample conversation: “Dad, I noticed you’ve been holding onto the walls more when walking around. I just want to make sure you’re feeling steady on your feet.”
3. Focus on Their Well-Being
Emphasize your desire to help them stay healthy, independent, and happy.
Avoid framing the conversation as if they need "help," which can feel disempowering.
Sample conversation: “We all want you to enjoy your home for as long as possible. Maybe there are some small adjustments we can make to keep things safe and comfortable.”
4. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings about any challenges they might be facing.
Let them feel heard and involved in the discussion.
Sample conversation: “How have you been feeling about keeping up with daily tasks like cooking or cleaning? Is there anything harder lately?”
5. Collaborate on Solutions
Instead of dictating changes, involve them in brainstorming ways to address concerns.
Present options and let them take part in the decision-making process.
Sample conversation: “Would adding some grab bars in the bathroom help you feel more secure? We can look into options together if that sounds helpful.”
6. Reassure Them of Your Support
Let your parents know your goal is to make life easier for them, not to take control away.
Reassure them that this is a partnership and you’ll be there every step of the way.
Sample conversation: “We’re in this together, and I’ll always be here to help with whatever you need. You don’t have to figure this out alone.”
Be Patient and Open to Follow-Ups
Understand that your parents may need time to process the conversation and feelings.
Be prepared to revisit the topic later in a gentle and understanding way.
Sample follow-up: “I know we discussed some big changes last week. Have you had any new thoughts about what we discussed?”
How BrightStar Care of Las Vegas Can Help
BrightStar Care of Las Vegas offers skilled support designed to address the unique needs of aging parents. From assistance with daily living to personalized care plans, we’re here to help your family confidently navigate this journey. Whether you need short-term respite care or ongoing support, our experienced caregivers are ready to provide compassionate and reliable care.The holidays are more than just decorations and presents—they’re a chance to reconnect and look after the people you love most. By being mindful of changes in your parents’ physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being, you can help them enjoy this special time of year while planning for a bright and healthy future. BrightStar Care of Las Vegas guides you every step of the way, ensuring your parents stay safe, happy, and supported.
Contact BrightStar Care of Las Vegas W!
BrightStar Care of Las Vegas W's team of professionals will assist you in finding the right caregiver for your loved one. Contact us today to learn more about caregiving services! Our office is at 4775 S. Durango Dr., Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV, 89147. You may also call us at (702) 982-2273.We look forward to hearing from you!