As the holidays approached, you worried about including your aging parents without overwhelming them. And now that the holiday season is over, they go back to their everyday lives just like you. However, did you notice if mom or dad seemed sad, disengaged, or more feeble than before? If so, maybe you start the new year re-evaluating what needs to be in place for you aging parents.

How to Keep Aging Parents Engaged and Healthy After the Holiday Season

Here are five quick checks that you can do post-holidays:

1. Are legal documents up-to-date?

After the holidays you may want to revisit the legal documents your parents have in place. Are things current? Do they have a Power of Attorney and is it viable? How about a living will? If these documents do not exist, this is a good time to get them drafted and ready. If the documents are around, can you find them and do you have a copy? You will never regret being prepared for the “just in case” something happens.

2. Do they need help around home with tidying things and everyday tasks?

Visiting at the holidays can open your eyes to a few things. For example, do your parents need help with cleaning? Are things out of place and slowly getting messier? How about their hygiene? Are you noticing they are wearing the same clothes and maybe not showering and grooming as often? Maybe it is time to discuss options for in home health care or other living arrangements to make their daily living a bit easier.

3. Are they keeping social?

Once the holidays season ends, many aging parents go home and spend too much time alone. Socialization keeps us healthy and active. With technology driving us to look at a computer and not a face, we need to recapture socializing as we grow older. It is important for mental health and life purpose. There are many ways to get your aging parents engaged socially and not feel lonely or depressed. Help them get involved in the local senior community through clubs or groups that offer group activities like exercise, cards, or movies.

4. What are their plans if they get sick or need to change their living arrangements?

As mentioned above, are  your documents in order as your parents are aging? Are you prepared if they fall sick or need emergency medical attention? The holidays are busy, but now that they are over, it is time to take a deep breath and make sure you are prepared for any medical concerns with you parents. Surprises are fun, but not with health and aging. It is important to make sure you did not overlook some health concerns during the busy holidays. Take a few moments to look for signs of new health concerns and make sure their doctor appointments are aligned for the new year to promote healthy check ups.

5. Who is managing their money? Do you need to step in?

Are you managing your parents finances? If so, are things in order? Do you need to make any changes going into the new year? As the new year approaches, you or whoever is managing your parents money (which could be them) needs to do a look over that everything is getting paid and arrangements are made for when they cannot manage their money. Offer to be on their account and help as they are aging so you can check on them time to time, until they need your help full time.

These are just a few tips to help you start the new year on the right foot and make sure your aging parents are getting the best care possible as they grow older. Need more help with aging parents and choices for them? Contact Ann at Senior Living Options and she can help you navigate the busy road of aging! Have a wonderful New Year!