Checking in During the Holidays

The holidays are an ideal time to check in with older loved ones to be sure they are safe and well. If you are fortunate enough to safely visit with them this holiday season, here are some tips:

• Ask what they might need help with around the house. Are they having a hard time shoveling snow or mowing their lawn?
• Check for loose rugs, extension cords, or cluttered furniture that can lead to tripping or falling. Make sure there’s adequate lighting, particularly around stairs.
• Check the refrigerator for old or expired food.
• The bathroom can be a dangerous place, especially for falls. Check if your loved one is fully mobile and ask whether they would benefit from grab bars or a shower chair.
• Medication management is important with older adults. Make sure that they’re taking medications as directed.
• Have they received their vaccinations (including COVID, flu, and pneumonia)? Older adults are particularly vulnerable to these viruses. Immunization is a quick and easy way to prevent them.

Taking time to check on your loved one over the holidays is an important way to make sure they are safe and well-cared for, even when you’re not in town to help.

One of the benefits included in PACE are the in-home assessments each participant receives. InnovAge experts visit the home to make sure it’s safe and accessible, and each participant and their caregiver receive safety education.

If you notice a change in your loved one this holiday season, explore your options and find out whether the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) may be a fit for your situation.