Happy New Year from all of us at Visiting Angels!
Our office mascot, Max, sends his wishes as well!
Wishing you a healthy, prosperous, and happy 2016.
If you’re like many baby boomers who are concerned about their senior parents’ financial situation, you’re not alone. Would you recognize warning signs that they may need some help handling their money? Below is a list of 8 signs that may warn you of their need for some extra help:
If your parents are showing any of these 8 signs, you may need to intercede. Have a conversation with them and express your concerns. Having a neutral third party may make the conversation easier.
“I’ll be home for Christmas, you can count on me. Please have snow and mistletoe and presents under the tree.”
This popular tune is sure to remind us of the joy we find when returning home for the holidays. Whether you live across town or across the country, the holiday season is one in which many of us will spend surrounded by family. For those with aging parents, it’s a time you can really observe them in their “natural habitat.” Changes in your older parents’ appearance, behavior, or environment are warning signs that their health, mentality, and ability to function as usual are changing. If you notice any changes, it’s important to fully assess the situation and determine if intervention is needed. Visiting Angels suggests these important “to do” items during your holiday visit to monitor changes in your parents’ behavior and living environment.
1. Discreetly check on your parents.
Holiday visits are a great time to discreetly check on your parents, especially if they live alone. Keeping a few notes each year you visit will help you to spot changes more easily in the future. Ask yourself the following questions when making observations:
2. Spend a day making home safety repairs/updates.
During your visit, take a look at your loved one’s environment. Are there areas of disrepair? Take time to make a few simple safety updates, which can help your parents avoid common accidents so they can remain independent longer.
Suggestions:
3. Have conversations about the future.
Holidays are the most common occasions that all of the family comes together in one place. This is why they’re a good opportunity to have meaningful conversations. If you haven’t started talking with your parents about aging and planning for the future, consider bringing up the subject at the right moment.
Get the most out of visiting your senior parents this holiday season. It’s not only a good time to check in on them, but it’s an even better time to bond and create new memories.
If your aging loved ones are showing signs that affect their ability to live independently, Visiting Angels can help. Our Angels will come directly into clients’ homes throughout Mercer and Burlington counties in New Jersey. From companionship to personal care, housekeeping, hygiene and grooming assistance, we can help your older parents continue to live independently in their own home. Call us today at 609-883-8188.
From all of us at Visiting Angels in Mercer and Burlington Counties, we hope you’re enjoying the holiday season!
Having trouble thinking what to give your aging parents? Why not give them a gift certificate to Visiting Angels? We can send one of our Angels to help assist them in whatever way they may need. We offer friendly companionship, bathing assistance, dressing and grooming assistance, walking assistance, medication reminders, errands, shopping, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and more.
In this issue: 5 Ways to Make Holiday Entertaining Easier; Angels Who Soar; Senior Humor: DIY Holiday Decorating; Client Testimonial; Gadget Corner: Soup and Sandwich Serving Duo & Star Shower Laser Lights; Keeping Homebound Elders Active; Angel Recipes: Breakfast Casserole; December Celebrity Birthdays; Happy Holidays from Visiting Angels Office Mascot, Max
Read the December issue today.