Holiday gatherings are meant to be joyful reunions, but they can become more of a reality check as relatives notice health and safety concerns in aging loved ones for the first time.

“People often rely on phone calls or texts to check on older loved ones throughout the year,” says Paula Lett, social services manager for Care Resources, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. “But without those regular in-person visits, signs that indicate a need for assistance can go unnoticed for months.”

Throughout much of her career, Lett has been on the frontlines of the post-holiday influx of people seeking senior care. Her colleague, Eric Millar, can also attest to the surge in inquiries.

“It can be a shock to the system for family members who haven’t been around all year to notice their older loved one has been struggling,” Millar says, noting that these holiday wake-up calls underscore the importance of more regular check-ins.

“Don’t wait until the holidays to face these issues,” Millar advocates. “Get into the holiday spirit of visiting loved ones year-round by carving out a couple of hours each month to go into mom or dad’s home. You don’t have to cook or clean. Just spend time together. It will mean more to them than you realize and also help you identify opportunities for support sooner.”

To learn more about how to spot clues that your aging loved one needs assistance, read the full article on WKTV Journal.

Last updated 11.10.2025 I H5610_WEB