Holiday Visits and Recognizing Senior Loved Ones Needs

The holiday season is a time for joy, love, and family gatherings. It’s also an opportunity to check on the wellbeing of our aging loved ones. Identifying signs that they may need extra support while continuing to age at home can be crucial in maintaining their quality of life.

Why Checking on Your Parents Matters?

According to Statistics Canada, the aging population is steadily increasing. By 2030, it’s estimated that nearly one in four Canadians will be over 65. With this demographic shift, the responsibility to care for elderly parents often falls on adult children. Checking on their wellbeing during holiday visits becomes a vital task, allowing you to ensure they’re safe and well cared for. And if there is any extra support needed, you can look for appropriate partners like Vyta to help with this.

What to Look For

During your holiday visit, consider these tips to assess your parents’ health and living conditions:

• Observe Their Living Environment: Take note of any changes in cleanliness, clutter, or maintenance issues in their home. It might indicate difficulties in managing household chores.
• Assess Physical and Mental Health: Observe their physical appearance and behavior. Look for signs of forgetfulness, confusion, mobility issues, or changes in mood or personality.
• Review Medications and Medical Needs: Check their medications and their adherence to prescribed dosages. Inquire about any recent health concerns or doctor’s visits.
• Evaluate Nutrition and Hygiene: Take note of their eating habits, food supplies, and personal hygiene. Poor nutrition or hygiene can indicate struggles in self-care.

Warning Signs

There are several warning signs that might indicate your parents need additional assistance:

• Sudden weight gain or loss
• Neglected personal hygiene or grooming
• Unexplained bruises or injuries
• Forgetfulness or confusion
• Unopened mail or unpaid bills
• Spoiled food or inadequate food supplies

Vyta: An All-in-One Aging in Place Solution

Powered by Bayshore HealthCare, Vyta provides access to a variety of seasonal, personal support and home maintenance services that can be invaluable for aging parents in need of a little extra help. With a single point of contact and everything under one roof, it eliminates having to juggle multiple service providers and bills.

Our most popular services include:

• Seasonal:
  • Lawn care (maintenance, mowing, edging, fertilization)
  • Snow removal (walkways, driveways, sidewalks, de-icing)
  • Spring & Fall yard cleanup (raking, debris removal)
  • Window washing (internal and external)
  • Eavestrough cleaning (removal of leaves and debris)
• In-home and Personal Support:
  • Grocery shopping
  • Meal prep (nutritious meals)
  • Personal care assistance (bathing, grooming)
  • Companionship (social interaction)
• Home Maintenance:
  • Home repair and modifications (plumbing, repairs, modifications)
  • Professional in-home deep cleaning

Taking Action: Seeking Help for Your Parents

If you notice any of the warning signs during your holiday visits, it might be time to have a conversation about getting your parents some extra support. Discussing how Vyta can help is a great first step towards ensuring your parents’ safety and wellbeing. And being proactive today can make a significant difference in maintaining your parents’ quality of life.