Home For the Holidays: Cooking, Celebrating, & Crucial Conversations
Holidays are often the rare occasions when family members reunite after an extended period apart, making them a good time to notice any changes in your loved one’s health, especially where there has been a cognitive and physical decline. Here’s a guide to help you identify early warning signs and pointers on how to start sensitive conversations about aging, health, and potential next steps for care.
Often the first signs of cognitive decline are pretty subtle. Forgetfulness begins to set in and loved ones start forgetting familiar names, important dates, or repeating questions or having difficulty with remembering how to complete simple, everyday activities that they once handled with ease. This begins to cause confusion and frustration leading to changes in mood, like sudden irritability, apathy, or depression, may point to cognitive issues. Whereas, physical decline are usually more visual. For example, changes in mobility, neglecting personal hygiene or weight fluctuation.
When you observe concerning changes, preparing for a thoughtful, compassionate conversation is key. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
• Be mindful to use gentle, open ended communication that invites them to share their perspective.
• Be sure to listen intently.
• Point out specific, observable changes in a non-judgmental way.
• Ask for their suggestions before offering solutions.
• Give them time to process the conversation before brining up future plans such as in-home care or assisted living
After the initial conversation, keep supporting your loved one by helping with practical needs and staying involved in their care. It is also helpful to involve other family members and close friends. Sometimes, an expert perspective is necessary to assess, and support loved ones. Looking into additional resources available such as home care services, meal delivery, and local support groups to assist with aging-in-place solutions is also advisable.
• Geriatric Specialists: For a comprehensive evaluation of mental, cognitive, and physical health.
• Social Workers or Care Managers: They can help create a long-term care plan, manage resources, and access local support networks.
• Elder Care Attorneys: For legal guidance on trusts/wills, power of attorney (with specific powers/authorities for long-term care planning), advanced directives and financial management plans.
The holidays offer a unique opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and identify any emerging health issues. By paying attention to subtle signs of aging and taking a proactive, compassionate approach, you can support their independence and ensure they receive the care they need.
