Spending time with family during the holidays can be the highlight of the season. However, it can also be a time when you may notice changes in your loved one that raise concerns about their well-being. It’s essential to be mindful of signs that may indicate a need for additional support or even assisted living. In this blog post, we will explore some common signs to watch during the festive season.
- Physical Decline: Keep an eye on changes in your loved one’s physical abilities. Difficulty with mobility, balance issues, or struggles with daily tasks like dressing or grooming can be red flags. If you observe a decline in their ability to navigate their home or participate in holiday activities, it may be time to consider assisted living.
- Neglected Living Environment: Take note of their living conditions. Is their home clean and well-maintained, or do you notice signs of neglect? Piles of unopened mail, spoiled food, or a generally unkempt living space may indicate they are having difficulty managing daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Social Withdrawal: Pay attention to changes in their social behavior. If your loved one was once socially active but is now withdrawing from family gatherings, community events, or social activities, it could be a sign of loneliness or the need for additional support.
- Forgetfulness and Cognitive Changes: Cognitive decline can become more apparent during the holidays. Forgetfulness, confusion, and difficulty following conversations may be signs of a more serious issue, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. If you notice consistent cognitive changes, it’s crucial to seek professional advice.
- Unexplained Weight Loss or Changes in Eating Habits: Changes in appetite, unexplained weight loss, or malnutrition can be indicators of underlying health issues. Pay attention to whether your loved one is maintaining a healthy diet and eating regularly. If there are concerns, it may be time to explore assisted living options where meals are provided.
- Medication Mismanagement: During the holidays, take the opportunity to discuss medication management. If your loved one is forgetting to take medications or experiencing difficulties with the prescribed regimen, it may be a sign that they need additional support in a more structured environment.
- Falls or Accidents: Increased incidents of falls or accidents can be a sign that your loved one is struggling to maintain their independence. Assess the frequency and severity of such incidents, as they can indicate the need for a safer living environment with assistance readily available.
Recognizing signs that your loved one may need assisted living during the holidays is an act of love and concern for their well-being. If you observe multiple indicators or have ongoing concerns, it’s essential to have open and honest communication with your loved one and explore the available options for supportive care. We would be happy to answer any questions and provide support as you look for assisted living options near you. Seeking professional advice can help you make informed decisions about their future living arrangements, ensuring they receive the care and support they need during this special time of the year and beyond.
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Galentine’s Day is for gals of all ages! NHC is a place where many seniors go to spend their golden years in comfort, but for residents Sue and Martha, it’s a place that brought them together as the best of friends, making NHC more than just a place to call home. NHC Healthcare Center is a place where many seniors go to spend their golden years in comfort, but for residents Sue and Martha, it’s a place that brought them together as the best of friends, making NHC more than just a place to call home.
So, for this Galentine’s Day, NHC highlights the unbreakable bond of Martha and Sue, two women who have proven that friendship is the best gift of all.
Sue, 76, and Martha, 90, have formed a bond that changed their days at the NHC Healthcare Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. They both moved in at the beginning of 2022, and from that moment on, they have been inseparable.
They enjoy spending all their time together whether that’s getting their nails done, gossiping over a good meal, or singing gospel songs which is a favorite for NHC Admissions Coordinator Stacey Priestley. “You can walk down the halls and definitely hear Ms. Martha belting them out and Ms. Sue just carrying along with her,” said Priestley with a smile.
They have become each other’s support system, always there to lend a listening ear or offer a helping hand. Their friendship has not gone unnoticed by the staff and other residents at NHC, who often marvel at the way these two women bring out the best in each other. “Sue and Martha are a dynamic duo. They are like Lucy to Ethel,” said Wellness Director Caitlyn Scott, “I always say when I grow up I hope to have a friendship like that because it is truly something special.”
One of the things that makes Martha and Sue’s friendship so special is the way they have proven that friendship knows no age limit and that it’s never too late to find someone who will love and accept you for who you are. “She keeps me straight,” said Sue as Martha burst into laughter.
And as for Martha, she shared the same sentiment.
“If I’m in a bad mood, she gets me out of it right quick,” said Martha with a click of her tongue.
As they look back on the time they’ve spent together, they are filled with gratitude for the friendship they have found and for the memories they have made. “I love you, Martha, forever,” said Sue as she reached her hand to hold Sue’s arm.
“Well, I love you too,” Martha returned.
“Forever and ever,” said Sue.
It’s moments like this that remind us of the importance of friendship. Studies have even shown that loneliness can be just as dangerous to one’s health as smoking and is an even greater risk factor than obesity and a sedentary lifestyle (Holt-Lunstad, 2010). No need for Martha and Sue to worry though, as their bond has certainly put loneliness at bay.
And that bond is why we celebrate the women in our lives who bring joy, laughter, and support into our lives. So, from the staff and residents of all NHC locations, happy Galentine’s Day!
To learn more about NHC, visit our homepage.
ref: Holt-Lunstad, J., & Smith, T. (2010). Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review. SciVee. doi: 10.4016/19911.01.