Navigating Senior Care Needs After the Holidays

-Tanya Godwin, Senior Advisor, Oasis Senior Advisors

The holiday season provides opportunities for quality time with our aging loved ones. For many families, this is when subtle (or not so subtle) changes in a senior’s health, or daily abilities become more noticeable. Early recognition of these changes can prevent crises and ensure access to the support your loved one needs.

1. Observe and Assess

During holiday visits, make critical observations of any differences in performance of daily tasks, diet, mobility, memory, or emotional well-being. Are there any signs of confusion, or withdrawing socially?

2. Start a Compassionate Conversation

Share your observations with empathy and understanding. Gently stress to your loved one your desire for their safety and comfort. Often, it can prove helpful to bring in a neutral, third-party such as Oasis Senior Advisors for additional support and no-cost guidance with the conversation.

3. Evaluate Care Needs

Determine what type of support makes sense. Is it minimal assistance with maintenance or housekeeping? Is it medical care such as symptom or medication management? Does your loved one need support for portions of the day, or do they need 24/7 supervision?

4. Explore Care Options

Dependent upon those care needs, consider exploring:

• Adult day-stay programs for social engagement and support.

• Assisted living for full-time structured supervision.

• Specialized care options for complex medical needs.

To assure your focus remains on the best fitting options for care, a Senior Advisor can save you time by guiding you toward the most appropriate care options for your loved one.

5. Engage Their Medical Professionals

Schedule an appointment with their primary care physician to assess health concerns. In the absence of a primary care physician, Oasis Senior Advisors can guide your family toward those resources and services most appropriate for that type of assessment.

6. Address Financial and Legal Planning

Review medical and long-term care insurance coverage as well as important documents like power of attorney and advance directives. Having these in order ensures smoother decision-making for future needs or when facing a crisis.

7. Build a Support Network

Senior care is 100% a team effort. Contacting a free service for seniors, such as Oasis Senior Advisors, can connect you with (and help you coordinate with) local senior services who will share responsibilities for care and reduce the family’s stress.

By taking these steps after the holidays, you can move from concern to action—ensuring your loved one’s quality of life and your peace of mind for this new year.