Holiday Check-In: Supporting Our Aging Loved Ones
The holiday season brings us together with the people we love most. For many of us, it’s also the time when we begin to notice subtle—or sometimes not-so-subtle—changes in the health, habits, and needs of aging family members. As the Director of Care Coordination at LawyerLisa, I spend my professional life helping families navigate the aging continuum. And like many of you in caregiving roles, I can’t always turn that part of my brain off at home.
During holiday visits, I often find myself quietly assessing:
Is my loved one’s home still safe? Are they still thriving? Do they have a plan for the future?
These observations aren’t about judgment—they’re about love and preparedness.
Home Environment: Is It Supporting Safe Aging?
As you walk through your loved one’s home, take note of a few key safety indicators:
Are there loose rugs, cluttered pathways, or stairs that could become hazards?
Do bathrooms have grab bars, a walk-in shower, or space for future modifications?
Would the layout accommodate a walker, wheelchair, or other mobility aid if needed?
How close is the home to essentials like grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical care? If they could no longer drive, would they still have access?
These small details often provide the first clues about whether someone can safely age in place.
Daily Living and Mobility: How Are They Moving Through Their Day?
Holiday gatherings provide a natural opportunity to quietly observe:
Is their gait steady, or are they shuffling more?
Are they holding onto furniture for support?
Have they begun relying more on canes, walkers, or wheelchairs?
Do they still appear to be showering regularly and caring for themselves?
What does their refrigerator look like—balanced meals, mostly snacks, takeout, or not much food at all?
These patterns can indicate changes in physical ability or overall well-being.
Cognitive Changes: Are Conversations Different This Year?
Engage gently and pay attention to:
Difficulty answering simple questions
Repeating stories or asking the same question multiple times
Confusion about time, place, or familiar details
Delayed responses or mixing up facts
These signs can suggest that cognitive changes may be underway—and early awareness is key.
The Importance of Planning Together
When possible, weave soft, supportive questions into conversation:
Do they know their wishes for future care?
Do they have plans in place?
Do they feel prepared, or do they need help getting started?
And ask yourself honestly:
What can your family reasonably handle if a crisis occurs?
Not everyone can become a full-time caregiver—but everyone can play a role in planning.
If You Notice Changes, It’s Time to Talk
Whether you discover:
noticeable decline,
a lack of planning altogether, or
a binder full of documents that hasn’t been updated in years…
It’s time to plan—or revisit the plan.
Our loved ones deserve to age with dignity, safety, and support. And families deserve the peace of mind that comes from being prepared instead of reacting in crisis.
If you need guidance, support, or a place to start, our team at LawyerLisa is here to help.
