Visiting Aging Parents for the Holidays

Take advantage of your holiday visit During the holidays, many of us will be visiting aging parents. It’s a perfect time to observe them in their “natural habitat” -- you’ll see how they’re really doing. Plus, these tips help you focus on important details that will make a big difference in the long run.

1. Discreetly check on independent parents When your parents are living independently, the holidays are a great time to discreetly check on them. If you do this every year and keep a few notes, you’ll be able to spot changes more easily in the future.Try our handy printable PDF checklist that helps you evaluate any changes in their physical, mental, and emotional health.

2. Spend an afternoon on home safety updates While you’re visiting, you might have an opportunity to make a few simple safety updates. These easy fixes don’t take much time and will help your parents avoid common accidents so they can stay independent longer. They don’t take a lot of time, but they’re very effective.

Try these:

• Quick fixes for bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen
• More quick fixes for kitchen and around the house
• If their bath mats are slippery (a real hazard!), replace them with these stylish low-profile, non-slip mats

3. Have meaningful conversations about the future When family gets together over the holidays, it’s a good opportunity for meaningful conversations. If you haven’t already started talking about aging and plans for the future, consider bringing up the subject at a strategic time. You might be surprised -- many parents appreciate having these conversation and will be grateful that you brought it up.Use these tips to prepare for a successful conversation and keep these conversation starters in your back pocket to make it easier to get the ball rolling.

Bottom line This year, use some of your time at home to do 3 things: make sure your parents are doing well, make simple home safety updates, and start important conversations about the future. By DailyCaring.com Image: SBM