Home for the Holidays: 10 Signs Your Aging Loved One May Need More Support

The holidays are a time for family, traditions, and making memories. They're also an opportunity to check in on the well-being of those we love most.

As Thanksgiving approaches, families across Indiana will gather with aging parents, grandparents, and loved ones they may not see regularly. While phone calls help us stay connected, they don't always reveal the full picture of how someone is doing.

Maybe Mom seems more forgetful than usual. Perhaps Dad is having trouble navigating the stairs. Or Grandma, who always kept an immaculate home, is struggling with everyday tasks.

In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law encourages families to use this holiday season to recognize potential changes and begin conversations about planning ahead.

10 Signs Your Aging Loved One May Need Additional Support

1. Changes in Memory

Occasional forgetfulness is normal, but increased confusion, missed appointments, or difficulty following familiar routines may signal a need for further evaluation.

2. Difficulty Getting Around

Unsteadiness, trouble climbing stairs, or frequent falls can indicate mobility challenges that may compromise safety at home.

3. Changes in Eating Habits

Unexplained weight loss, expired food in the refrigerator, or difficulty preparing meals may suggest a need for nutritional or household assistance.

4. Declining Personal Hygiene

Noticeable changes in grooming, clothing, or bathing habits could mean everyday activities are becoming more challenging.

5. Neglected Household Responsibilities

Unopened mail, clutter, neglected repairs, or significant changes in housekeeping may indicate your loved one is having difficulty managing daily tasks.

6. Medication Management Concerns

Missed medications, confusion about prescriptions, or difficulty keeping up with refills can create serious health risks.

7. Social Withdrawal

A loss of interest in hobbies, fewer social interactions, or increased isolation may signal emotional or physical challenges.

8. Financial Confusion

Unpaid bills, unusual purchases, or difficulty managing finances may indicate a need for additional support or protection against financial exploitation.

9. Changes in Mood or Personality

Increased anxiety, sadness, irritability, or noticeable behavioral changes deserve attention and may warrant a conversation with a healthcare professional.

10. Lack of a Plan for Future Care

Has your loved one discussed their healthcare wishes, established essential legal documents, or considered how they would pay for long-term care if needed?

You Notice Some Changes. Now What?

Recognizing changes doesn't automatically mean your loved one can no longer live independently. Many challenges can be addressed through medical care, home modifications, or additional support services.

Start with compassion, not criticism. Ask open-ended questions, listen to their concerns, and involve them in decisions about their future.

How Life Care Planning Can Help

At Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law, we understand that aging involves more than legal documents.

Our Life Care Planning practice helps families navigate the legal, financial, and care-related challenges that accompany aging, including evaluating long-term care options, preparing for changing needs, and protecting independence and quality of life.

This Thanksgiving, give your loved ones something meaningful: a conversation about their future.

You don't need to have all the answers. You just need to start asking the right questions.

If you're concerned about an aging loved one or want to plan proactively, contact Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law to learn how our Life Care Planning team can help your family navigate the journey ahead.