How to Navigate the Holidays With Senior Loved Ones

The togetherness of family-centric holidays means you can't avoid noticing if your loved ones are becoming more forgetful or less mobile. Don't let these changes come as a shock — be on the lookout for signs of dementia and decline over the holidays. This season doesn't have to be full of difficult interactions, but we'll cover some key conversations to help you prepare for the end of the year.

There's no one-size-fits-all way of having “The Talk” with your loved one. Some of us will spend this holiday season reminding those we love that they should update their estate plan or perhaps create their first will. Others will need to broach the topic of moving into senior care.

• How to tell your loved one they need memory care: If you noticed new or worsening dementia symptoms during your visit, you’re not alone. In the 2024 Caring.com survey, 60% of dementia caregivers said their loved one is early in diagnosis, and 16% of seniors with dementia receive care in a memory care facility. Home safety concerns are the most common reason families choose memory care. Reassure your loved one that the goal is to keep them safe, and follow the recommended steps for discussing a move to a memory care facility.

• How to tell your loved one they need to consider assisted living: If the holiday made it clear they need more support than you can provide, reference the guide on how to talk to your parents about assisted living. If you’re unsure they’re ready, review the common signs that indicate it may be time for assisted living.

• How to tell your loved one they need a will: Let your loved one know they’re not alone — only 32% of Americans have a will, according to the 2024 Caring.com Wills Survey. Gently ask about their wishes and explain that a legal, finalized estate plan is the best way to ensure those wishes are honored. If they resist, remind them that dying without a will can be harder on the family, especially in certain states. Frame estate planning as their opportunity to maintain control over their final wishes.

No one wants to feel left out, and it can be disheartening to realize you don't have energy like you used to. Our guide on how to enjoy holiday visits with elderly family members covers age-inclusive games your whole family can play and offers advice on balancing the holiday rush with much-needed breaks.

Given the size of the Sandwich Generation, a lot of holiday travel can become multigenerational family trips unless you're the host. Getting everyone safely and sanely from point A to point B takes a lot of caregiver energy.

If you plan to take a plane or train with an older loved one this season, follow these travel tips for seniors. This guide covers ways to maximize free airport assistance, expand your travel time cushion, and pack expertly for emergencies.

If you need to talk about taking away the keys, this caregiver's guide to senior driving has the information you need to get your point across. Not sure if you need to take your loved one's keys away? Here are some behaviors you can look for:

• Do they fasten their seatbelt?
• Do they crane forward or show signs of discomfort?
• Do they seem easily distracted behind the wheel?
• Is your loved one aware of traffic lights, road signs, pedestrians, and other motorists' reactions?
• Do they closely follow other cars or drift toward other lanes, including oncoming traffic?
• Do they react slowly or with confusion in unexpected situations?
• Do they consistently wait too long to respond to traffic lights or other driving cues?
• Do they tailgate?
• Do they complain about getting lost more than they used to?

Experiencing the holidays with aging loved ones doesn't have to be hard. Greet the season prepared to observe, talk, and take action. We hope the guides linked here can help you start any conversations you need to have.