The holidays are one of the few times many families slow down long enough to truly see how their aging parents are doing. Between shared meals, traditions, and time together at home, you may notice changes that are easy to miss during quick phone calls or infrequent visits. Being physically present gives you a fuller picture — not just of how they look, but how they’re moving through daily life.
As you settle into the visit, try to pay attention to the small, everyday moments: how they navigate their home, keep up with routines, engage in conversation, or manage tasks that once felt simple. These little clues can reveal whether they’re thriving as they age or may need a bit more support to remain safe and comfortable at home. With that in mind, here are seven key areas worth noticing during your holiday time together.
1. Changes in Mobility or Balance – Watch how your parent moves around the house. Are they reaching for walls or furniture? Avoiding stairs? Moving more slowly or cautiously? Subtle changes in gait or balance can signal an increased fall risk.
2. Declines in Memory or Judgment – Everyone forgets things from time to time, but patterns matter. Missed appointments, repeated questions, misplaced items, unopened mail, or signs of confusion may indicate cognitive changes worth monitoring.
3. Weight Loss or Decline in Appetite – Look for signs of weight loss, poor nutrition, or limited food options in the pantry or refrigerator. Not eating well can stem from physical challenges, medication side effects, low appetite, or difficulty planning and preparing meals.
4. Changes in Mood, Isolation, or Social Withdrawal – Take note if your parent seems unusually down, anxious, irritable, or disconnected. Reduced engagement in hobbies, avoidance of social situations, or spending most days alone may signal depression, loneliness, or caregiver burnout (if one spouse is caring for the other).
5. Medication Management Challenges – Are medications organized? Are bottles expired, duplicated, or full when they should be empty? Difficulty keeping track of medications can have serious health consequences and may indicate a need for extra support.
6. Household Safety Concerns – Check the home environment for clutter, expired food, unopened mail, unpaid bills, or maintenance issues. A normally tidy home becoming disorganized — or a once-organized parent struggling with daily tasks — can be a sign they’re overwhelmed.
7. Driving Difficulties – If you’re in the car together, pay close attention to reaction times, comfort behind the wheel, parking accuracy, and navigation. Hesitation, minor scrapes, or increased anxiety while driving can signal it may be time for a driving safety conversation.
Not every change is cause for alarm — aging looks different for everyone. But spotting patterns early gives families the chance to plan together, reduce risk, and ensure aging parents receive the support they need to thrive.
If you’re unsure where to turn after noticing any of these signs, CJFS is here to help. Call us at 205-879-3438 or visit cjfsbham.org to learn more about how we can support you and your loved ones through life’s transitions.
