What to Notice When Visiting Aging Parents Over the Holidays

Subtle signs that your loved one may need more support at home this winter

The holidays are a time for connection — shared meals, familiar traditions, and precious moments with the people who matter most. For many adult children, this is also one of the few times all year when they’re physically present in their aging parents’ home. These visits offer more than togetherness — they provide a valuable opportunity to check in on how well your loved ones are truly managing day-to-day.

Winter can be especially challenging for older adults. Shorter days, slippery walkways, colder temperatures, and more time spent indoors can all intensify health, safety, and emotional risks. By noticing early signs of change, families can offer meaningful support long before a situation becomes urgent.

Here are some of the key things to look for; gently, respectfully, and with care:

Physical and Health Changes to Pay Attention To
Small physical changes can reveal shifts in strength, mobility, or overall health.

Unexplained bruises, scrapes, or recent falls
Bruises on arms or legs, hesitation when standing up, or comments like “I slipped last week” can signal balance issues or difficulty navigating icy or cluttered areas.

Weight loss or noticeable changes in appetite
A nearly empty fridge, missing fresh groceries, or significant weight change may indicate trouble cooking, shopping, or maintaining nutrition.

Declining personal hygiene
Wearing the same clothes multiple days in a row, unwashed hair, or generally looking less groomed than usual may be signs of fatigue, mobility limitations, or cognitive change.

Medication concerns
Are pill bottles full when they should be empty — or empty when they should be full? Missed, doubled, or mixed-up medications are more common during winter illnesses and can quickly lead to serious complications.

Emotional or Behavioural Shifts

Loved ones are often the first to notice when something “feels different.”

Withdrawing from activities or people
If your parent is skipping regular outings, avoiding phone calls, or no longer participating in hobbies they once loved, it may reflect loneliness, depression, or early cognitive decline.

Mood changes that are new or unexpected
Irritability, sadness, frustration, or a persistent low mood — especially during the darker months — can point to emotional strain, winter blues, or more serious health changes.

Increased forgetfulness
Repeatedly misplacing items, missing appointments, getting confused in conversation, or forgetting familiar steps in daily routines can be early signs that your parent needs additional support.

Clues Around the Home Environment

A person’s home often tells the story before they do.

Unopened mail, unpaid bills, or financial confusion
Stacks of letters, warning notices, or difficulty tracking expenses can signal organizational challenges or cognitive decline.

A fridge or pantry that’s unusually sparse
Expired food, spoiled items, or a lack of nutritious groceries may indicate trouble cooking, shopping, or planning meals — and can foreshadow malnutrition.

A home that feels cluttered, dusty, or uncharacteristically messy
Difficulty cleaning, keeping up with laundry, or maintaining walkways (including unshovelled driveways or icy steps) can reflect mobility issues, fatigue, or overwhelm.

Safety hazards
Burnt-out lightbulbs, frayed cords, blocked pathways, or missing smoke-detector batteries can all increase the risk of falls and accidents — especially during the darker winter months.

Why These Signs Matter

Research shows that:

• 1 in 3 older adults in Canada experiences a fall every year, with winter months posing even higher risk.
• Malnutrition affects up to one-third of community-dwelling seniors, often disguised behind a quiet appetite or an empty refrigerator.
• Nearly 40% of seniors report feeling lonely, and isolation increases significantly during long winter stretches indoors.

Being attentive to these early signs allows families to act proactively — supporting independence, preventing health crises, and making home a safer, more comfortable place to age.

How to Start the Conversation

Noticing changes can be emotional, but starting a conversation doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. A gentle, honest approach works best.

Instead of leading with concerns, try questions like:

• “I noticed the driveway looked a bit icy — would it help to have someone handle snow removal this winter?”
• “Would it make life easier if someone visited a few times a week?”
• “How have you been managing meals lately?”

For a deeper guide on navigating this discussion — including tips on involving siblings and approaching the topic respectfully — see our blog: Discuss Home Care With Aging Parents

When It Might Be Time to Explore Support

Aging at home doesn’t mean doing everything alone. If you’re noticing multiple signs — especially around safety, nutrition, medication, or emotional well-being — additional support may make life easier for both you and your parents.

Vyta offers a range of services tailored to changing needs, from personal care and companionship to snow removal, meal delivery, and home maintenance. If you’re unsure where to begin, our Lifestyle Advisors can help explore options and create a plan that fits your family.

Because home should feel safe, warm, and supported — especially during the holidays.