Home for the Holidays Checklist

Here are 12 things to look out for with Mom and Dad during your visit

At AdoreMOM, we want to help you take a proactive approach to the care of your aging loved ones. Here we have a quick video with some things to keep an eye out for, and a quick list below that.

With the holidays approaching at blinding speed – seriously, where did the last 11 months go? – we thought we’d put together a list of things you might want to look out for with your loved ones. If you’ve been away from them for a few months, or longer, some of these things might be alarming.
This list will not only help you identify some areas where Mom and Dad might need some additional help, but also prepare you for the fact that at least a few of the factors on this list will be come a reality at some point.

Here’s the list:

1. Day-to-Day: are they keeping up with daily tasks, such as making meals, paying bills, grocery lists and shopping?
2. Housekeeping: Are they keeping up with simple chores like the laundry, dishes and general tidiness? Are they sleeping on soiled sheets?
3. Hygiene: Are they getting dressed normally? Do they, or does the home have odors you haven’t noticed before?
4. General Health: are they losing weight? Is their diet healthy? Are there new ailments and health concerns they’re talking about?
5. Mood: have you noticed any changes in their overall mood? Have they become depressed? Has their energy decreased or have they lost interest in activities and hobbies?



6. Movement: have you noticed they’re slowing down in their movements, having balance issues or challenges with judging distances and spaces? Are they spilling items or tripping? Have you noticed any unusual bruising on their face, arms, legs or body?
7. Health Care: do they keep routine doctor’s appointments? Are they cancelling or just not going?



8. Medication: are they taking their medications appropriately, as directed? Is there expired medication? Or are there fewer pills than there should be based on the prescription?
9. Socialization: are they going out and seeing friends? Going to social events or religious services like they used to?
10. Transportation: are they driving safely? Have there been any incidents with the vehicle, no matter how minor? Are they able to drive to see friends, or go shopping like they used to?
11. Cognitive: Have you noticed a lapse in memory? Are they forgetting names, dates and events that they would normally remember? Are they repeating questions, stories or topics in a short period of time? Have they been getting lost in familiar areas? Are they confused easily – like having difficulty following a normal conversation?
12. Home Safety: is their home still safe for them to live in? Are they having problems with stairs and steps?

Let’s face it. No one wants to go down this list and recognize these things may be happening to our loved ones. But the more we are prepared for it, the more we can be proactive in helping them transition to a way of living that is more suitable for where they are in life.

If you notice any of these concerns, the Senior Placement Specialists at AdoreMOM are able to provide a free assessment and help determine what steps, if any, need to be taken to help Mom (and Dad). We work with a growing list of amazing communities and services perfectly aligned to help those you adore.

If nothing else, knowing what lies ahead, and what options are available, will help you and your loved ones be ready for their future.